Option F.5 – Metabolism of Microbes

Metabolism the process of synthesizing (anabolism) or breaking down (catabolism) molecules. Photoautotroph – organisms that use light energy to generate ATP and produce organic compounds from inorganic substances. (ex Anabaena) Photoheterotroph – organisms that use light energy to generate ATP and obtain organic compounds. (ex Rhodobacter sphaeroides) F.5.1-2

Chemoautotroph – organisms that use energy from chemical reactions to generate ATP and produce organic compounds from inorganic substances. (ex. Nitrosomonas) Chemoheterotroph – organisms that use energy from chemical reactions to generate ATP and produce organic compounds from inorganic substances. (ex Sacchoromyces) F.5.1-2

CATEGORY CARBON SOURCE ENERGY SOURCE EXAMPLE PhotoautotrophinorganiclightCyanobacteria Chemoautotrophinorganic Chemical bonds of inorganic molecules Nitrobacter Photoheterotrophorganic light / glucose Rhodobacter ChemoheterotrophOrganicglucoseMyobacterium -trophy chart F.5.1-2

Photoautotrophs vs Photoheterotrophs Chemoautroph vs Chemoheterotrophs CATEGORYCARBON SOURCEENERGY SOURCE PhotoautotrophCarbon dioxidelight PhotoheterotrophOrganic compoundslight / glucose CATEGORYCARBON SOURCEENERGY SOURCE ChemoautotrophCarbon dioxideInorganic compounds ChemoheterotrophOrganic compounds F.5.3-4

Anabaena is a type of filamentous cyanobacterium that lives on grass and in ponds. It is made of two distinct cell types: Heterocysts fix N2 into nitrogen compounds such as ammonia which is used to synthesize proteins. Photosynthetic cells create sugars /carbohydrates using light energy. Materials are traded between cells. F.5.5

Anabaena F.5.5

Bioremediation is the use microbes to treat contaminated areas in the environment (pesticides, oil, solvents, etc). Bacteria can be used to break down toxins so that water or soil can be returned to its original state. F.5.6

One of the first successful uses of bioremediation was treatment of soil contaminated from the Exxon Valdez oil spill. F.5.6

Your Task – To propose a plan to deal with the Pacific Garbage Patch. Start with this video. You must – Research a bacteria that could be used. Outline a modification (through gene therapy) that would enhance the bacteria. Designate a method of dispersal. Design a way to clean up the remainder, while considering the environmental impacts of bacteria.