Bacteria A Prokaryotic Saga

Bioremediation Bioremediation refers to the use of living organisms to clean up pollutants and polluted areas o Natural  Has been occurring throughout the history of life  Decomposition of organic matter; natural cycles o Managed  When man steps in and manages the use of bioremediation o Ex situ v. In situ : off site v. on site

Examples Composting o the creation of a decomposing-friendly environment o bacteria break down matter as they would, but faster Hyperthermophillic bacteria o Help breakdown of Fe(III) and Mn(IV) Petroleum decomposing bacteria o Promotion of their growth can help clean up oil spills in the ocean and along coastlines Ethion (pesticide) decomposing bacteria o Major contaminant of rural Australia o When grown in a salt medium, 2 species can break this down Ability of bacteria to decompose aromatic pollutants

Methanogens & Ruminants Anaerobic microorganisms Archaea Byproduct: methane gas Very low tolerance for oxygen *Sometimes found in humans Mammals which break down food in two processes. Chew their food twice, second time (cud) Gas is caused by methanogens

Bioluminescent Bacteria Luminescense is the emission of light by an object Lux genes code for the enzyme luciferase -High cell density induces the enzyme -homoserine lactone Reporter Protein and Sensor - Releases bioluminescent energy - Check for presence of chemicals Check for clean up of oil spills

Animal Symbiosis Mitochondria -small prokaryotes within larger ones - respiration inside host cell Benefits - engulfed cells dependent on molecules - host cell dependent on ATP

Symbiosis Mutualism: Plover bird and crocodile Commensalism: Mosses and trees Parasitism: Tape worm and humans