Electrotrophy: Other microbial species, iron, and electrodes as electron donors for microbial respirations

Electrotrophy, the growth of microbes on extracellular electron donors, drives important biogeochemical cycles and has practical applications. Studies of Fe(II)-based electrotrophy have provided foundational cytochrome-based mechanistic models for electron transport into cells. Direct electron uptake from other microbial species, Fe(0), or cathodes is of intense interest due to its potential roles in the production and anaerobic oxidation of methane, corrosion, and bioelectrochemical technologies. Other cells or Fe(0) can serve as the sole electron donor supporting the growth of several Geobacter and methanogen strains that are unable to use H-2 as an electron donor, providing strong evidence for electrotrophy. Additional evidence for electrotrophy in Geobacter strains and Methanosarcina acetivorans is a requirement for outer-surface c-type cytochromes. However, in most instances claims for electrotrophy in anaerobes are based on indirect inference and the possibility that H-2 is actually the electron donor supporting growth has not been rigorously excluded.

Automated summary

Electrotrophy, the growth of microbes on extracellular electron donors, plays a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles and practical applications. Studies have shown that some microbial strains can directly uptake electrons from other microbial species, Fe(0), or cathodes, providing further evidence for the process of electrotrophy.