Microbes consume methane: ANME-1 and ANME-2 Archaea

The metabolism of ANME-1 and ANME-2 Archaea allows survival in anoxic environments via methane oxidation, and are often found in association with sulfate-reducing bacteria.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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	Oxidation state

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Methane digestion and capture devices.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Evidence supporting a key role for anaerobic methane oxidation in the global methane cycle is reviewed. Emphasis is on recent microbiological advances. The driving force for research on this process continues to be the fact that microbial communities intercept and consume methane from anoxic environments, methane that would otherwise enter the atmosphere. Anaerobic methane oxidation is biogeochemically important because methane is a potent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere and is abundant in anoxic environments. Geochemical evidence for this process has been observed in numerous marine sediments along the continental margins, in methane seeps and vents, around methane hydrate deposits, and in anoxic waters. The anaerobic oxidation of methane is performed by at least two phylogenetically distinct groups of archaea, the ANME-1 and ANME-2. These archaea are frequently observed as consortia with sulfate-reducing bacteria, and the metabolism of these consortia presumably involves a syntrophic association based on interspecies electron transfer. The archaeal member of a consortium apparently oxidizes methane and shuttles reduced compounds to the sulfate-reducing bacteria. Despite recent advances in understanding anaerobic methane oxidation, uncertainties still remain regarding the nature and necessity of the syntrophic association, the biochemical pathway of methane oxidation, and the interaction of the process with the local chemical and physical environment. This review will consider the microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of anaerobic methane oxidation with a special emphasis on the interactions between the responsible organisms and their environment." (Valentine 2002:271)

About the inspiring organism

Archaea
Archaea

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Methane digestion and capture devices.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Pollution control, landfills, energy

Experts

Valentine Biochemistry Group
David Valentine
Department of Geological Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara

References

Valentine, D. L. 2002. Biogeochemistry and microbial ecology of methane oxidation in anoxic environments: a review. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. 81(1): 271-282.

Microbes consume methane: ANME-1 and ANME-2 Archaea

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