Methanotroph Ecology, Environmental distribution and functioning.

P.L.E. Bodelier, G. Pérez, A.J. Veraart, S. Krause

Research output: Chapter in book/volumeChapterScientificpeer-review

220 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The dynamics of methane concentrations in the atmosphere in recent decades has demonstrated many anomalies which are poorly understood. The only biological way of degrading this potent greenhouse gas is by microbial oxidation. Aerobic methanotrophic bacteriaAerobic methanotrophic bacteria(MB) play an important role in many ecosystems worldwide degrading methane before it can escape to the atmosphere. This group of bacteria has intensively been studied as a model microbial functional guild because there is a strong link between the consumption of methane and the composition of MB communities, facilitating the study of microbial ``behavior'' in the environment. These studies have revealed a strong biogeographyBiogeographyof MB which is displayed in their phylogenyPhylogenynot only on the basis of single functional marker genes but also on genomeGenomesequence basis. Novel environmental controlling factors have been revealed (e.g. rare earth metals) as well as novel organisms with as yet unknown traits for MB. The resistance and resilience of methane consumption and methane consuming communities have been shown to depend on specific community members. The current knowledge on environmental distribution and of MB has led to propose a life-history scheme, classifying MB communities on their collective traits rather than singly on their capacity the oxidise methane alone.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMethanotrophs: Microbiology Fundamentals and Biotechnological Applications
EditorsEun Yeol Lee
Place of PublicationHeidelberg
PublisherSpringer
Pages1-38
Number of pages38
ISBN (Print)9783030232610
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Publication series

NameMicrobiology Monographs MICROMONO
Volume32

Keywords

  • international

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Methanotroph Ecology, Environmental distribution and functioning.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this