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Sulphur cycle
The iron cycle includes several different genera that carry out iron
oxidations, transforming ferrous ion (Fe2) to ferric ion (Fe3).
These two genera are still termed iron bacteria by many non
microbiologists.
Confusion
about the role
of these genera
resulted from
the occurrence
Recently microbes have been found that oxidize Fe2 using
nitrate as an electron acceptor.
oxygen levels.
Iron reduction occurs under anaerobic conditions resulting in
the accumulation of ferrous ion.
Geobacter
Although many metallireducens,
microorganisms canGeobacter sulfurreducens,
reduce small amounts of
Ferribacterium limneticum, and Shewanella putrefaciens,
iron during
which their
can obtain metabolism,
energy for growthmost iron reduction
on organic matter usingis carried
out by specialized iron-respiring microorganisms such as
In addition to these relatively simple reductions to ferrous
ion, some magnetotactic bacteria such as Aquaspirillum
magnetotacticum valence iron oxide mineral magnetite
(Fe3O4) and construct intracellular magnetic compasses.
Furthermore, dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria
accumulate magnetite as an extracellular product.
Magnetite has been detected in sediments, where it is
present in particles similar to those found in bacteria,
indicating a longer term contribution of bacteria to iron
cycling processes.
Genes for magnetite synthesis have been cloned into other
organisms, creating new magnetically sensitive microorganisms.