Microbial Metabolism and Biochemical Cycles

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to microbial metabolism, biochemical cycles, and the roles of microorganisms in nutrient cycles.

Oxidation

The removal of an electron or hydrogen atoms from a compound.

Reduction

The gain of electron or hydrogen atoms.

Electron donor

The substance that donates electrons in a redox reaction, often having a more negative electrode potential.

Electron acceptor

The substance that receives electrons in a redox reaction, usually possessing a more positive electrode potential.

Methanogenesis

The process of producing methane (CH4) by methanogens through the reduction of CO2.

Nitrification

The biological oxidation of ammonia (NH4+) to nitrate (NO3-) via an intermediate nitrite (NO2-).

Denitrification

The microbial process that converts nitrate (NO3-) to nitrogen gas (N2) or other nitrogenous gases.

Photosynthesis

The process by which autotrophs convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into organic compounds using sunlight.

Calvin Cycle

A series of biochemical reactions that take place in the chloroplasts of photosynthetic organisms for carbon fixation.

Biochemical cycles

The movement of nutrients and elements between biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (non-living) components of the ecosystem.

Microbial respiration

The process by which microorganisms obtain energy by oxidizing organic or inorganic substrates.

Chemolithotrophy

A type of metabolism in which organisms obtain energy from inorganic compounds.

Bioremediation

The use of microorganisms to remove pollutants from the environment.

Autotrophs

Organisms that can produce their own food from inorganic substances; includes photosynthetic and chemosynthetic organisms.

Methylotrophy

The utilization of C1 compounds like methane (CH4) by certain microbes as carbon and energy source.

Anammox

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation, where ammonium (NH4+) and nitrite (NO2-) are converted to nitrogen gas (N2) and water (H2O).

Siderophores

Small, high-affinity iron-chelating compounds secreted by microorganisms to facilitate iron acquisition.

CHONPS

An acronym representing the six most important elements in living organisms: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur.