Acetogenesis

Acetogenesis is a process through which acetate is produced by prokaryote microorganisms either by the reduction of CO2 or by the reduction of organic acids, rather than by the oxidative breakdown of carbohydrates or ethanol, as with acetic acid bacteria.[1]

The different bacterial species capable of acetogenesis are collectively termed acetogens. Reduction of CO2 to acetate by anaerobic bacteria occurs via the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway and requires an electron source (e.g., H2, CO, formate, etc.). Some acetogens can synthesize acetate autotrophically from carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas.[2] Reduction of organic acids to acetate by anaerobic bacteria occurs via fermentation.

  1. ^ Angelidaki I, Karakashev D, Batstone DJ, Plugge CM, Stams AJ (2011). "16. Biomethanation and Its Potential". In Rosenzweig AC, Ragsdale SW (eds.). Methods in Enzymology. Methods in Methane Metabolism, Part A. Vol. 494. Academic Press. pp. 327–351. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-385112-3.00016-0. ISBN 978-0-123-85112-3. PMID 21402222.
  2. ^ Singleton P (2006). "Acetogenesis". Dictionary of microbiology and molecular biology (3rd ed.). Chichester: John Wiley. ISBN 978-0-470-03545-0.