We tend to demonize bacteria as errors that bring us only problems. The truth is that this is true for many of them, but we must not forget that there are bacteria that help us get food products, such as yogurt, or live in our body to fight possible pathogens, among many other qualities. In addition, there are also Electric bacteriaIt acts like cables.
At the moment, only a few types are known, but it is believed that in the future they can be very useful, with many applications obtained from phenomena BioelectricityThe field of numerous species are known, but one of the most interesting has just described Scientists from universities of Antwerp and Oregon. This was precisely in Oregon, where these bacteria were found, buried in their swamps.
New types of electric bacteria, called California ElectrtrtRhryx yaqonensisThis is completely different morphologically, but with some Genetic similarities With other species found earlier. Without a doubt, this is another interesting way to explore. Now, before you know their applications, how can these bacteria act almost as if they were cables?
A Superpower electric bacteria
The ability of electric bacteria to act as if they were cables in their Joint skills. Bacteria quite often form associations that make them stronger. We see this, for example, in celebrities BiofillesIn which bacteria are grouped and surrounded by an extracellular matrix that protects them and gives them stability. These biofilles are easily formed in the fabrics and scales of our kitchens, and when this happens, it does not matter how much we are. It is much better to abandon them.
In the case of electric bacteria, they are grouped together Something like threads through which electrons are transmitted to each other Optimize your metabolic reactions. Electricity mainly: Electronic current. Therefore, these groups of electric bacteria can be used as if they were cables.
All that we know about them is very previously. In fact, at the moment, two genres that were discovered are classified as candidates (CA), because they have not yet been described and classified completely. There are two of these genres: California electriev And California electronome. The bacterium, which has just been found in the swamps of Oregon, belongs to the first and has many special qualities.
A unique candidate who can be very useful in the future
These electric bacteria are built into Oregon swampsSo that those below, do not have access to oxygen and those who are higher. Therefore, they help each other. Those below cannot perform aerobic reactions, therefore, in the absence of oxygen, they metabolize sulfide discovered in depositsThis is generated by the electrons that are transmitted from each other until they reach, where there is so much oxygen that these electrons can be included in reactions with oxygen or nitrate. In short, this is Oxidizing and recovery reaction (Decrease-oxidation), for example, those that are produced in a stack or in an electrical installation, in which electrons proceed through cables.
In this case, in addition, electric bacteria have two unique characteristics. On the one hand, the presence ridges On its surface, which are 3 times wider than other species. And, on the other hand, a series Extracellular pods These bacteria exudate when they form their long connected strands.
What are they for?
All this, according to the authors of the study that was recently published, may have two types of applications. On the one hand, this small electric current generated by bacteria can help Elimination of pollutants Thanks to its reduction by transferring an electron. It can be very useful in the soil, as they are very well deposited in its deposits.
On the other hand, in the future these and other electric bacteria can become Sources of bioelectricityThe field every alternative source of energy for fossil fuel can be an excellent option. It was always there, and we did not pay attention. Fortunately, they begin to be in the center of the study of many scientists.
Source: Hiper Textual
