Syntrophy
Syntrophy
Syntrophy (pronounced: sin-tro-fee, from the Greek syn, meaning "together", and trophe, meaning "nourishment") is a biological phenomenon in which one organism's metabolic process is dependent on the metabolic products of another organism.
Overview
In the context of microbiology, syntrophy refers to the mutual dependence of different species of microorganisms on the metabolic products of each other for survival and growth. This is often seen in anaerobic environments, where certain species of bacteria produce metabolic waste products that are toxic to them but are used as a source of energy by other species. This mutualistic relationship allows both species to survive in environments where they would not be able to do so independently.
Mechanism
The mechanism of syntrophy involves the transfer of electrons or energy from one species to another. This is often facilitated by enzymes or other proteins that are produced by one or both of the species involved. The species that produces the waste product is known as the donor, while the species that uses the waste product is known as the acceptor.
Examples
One example of syntrophy is the relationship between methanogenic archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria. The archaea produce methane as a waste product, which is toxic to them. However, the sulfate-reducing bacteria use this methane as a source of energy, converting it into sulfate, which is non-toxic to the archaea.
Another example is the relationship between fermentative bacteria and hydrogen-consuming bacteria. The fermentative bacteria produce hydrogen as a waste product, which is toxic to them. However, the hydrogen-consuming bacteria use this hydrogen as a source of energy, converting it into water, which is non-toxic to the fermentative bacteria.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Syntrophy
- Wikipedia's article - Syntrophy
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