Module 27Describe general concepts of biogeochemical cycles and the role of microbes in nutrient cycling.The biogeochemical cycles involves both biological and chemical processes that result in the cyclic interconversion of key elements need to sustain productive life processes in the biosphereThe cycles are driven by microbial metabolism that transfers nutrients thereby changing their physical and chemical characteristics. What are the key features of the global carbon cycle; review what processes happen in oxic vs. anoxic parts of the cycle; where is methane formed, and where carbon enters and exits living systems Key features of the global carbon cycle is that it involves oxic and anoxic pathways. Methane is formed in the anoxic part and carbon enters the cell through fixation and exits using methanogensDescribe the basic processes whereby complex polymers are converted to methane and CO2N cycle: know meaning of nitrification, denitrification, nitrogen fixation, ammonification, assimilation Nitrogen fixation- the conversion of nitrogen gas into nitrates and nitritesAssimilation- plants absorb nitrate or ammonium from soil through there root hairs Ammonification – when the plant dies and expels waste such as nitrogenNitrification- conversion of ammonium to nitrate Denitrification- reduction of nitrates back into nitrogenExplain how Geobacter can metabolize uranium for respiration; how are pili involved Geobacter can metabolize uranium for respiration while the reduce substance is turning into an oxidized substance the electron U6+ which is soluble turns into U4+ which is unsoluble Describe how microbes can be used for petroleum bioremediationMicrobes can be used for petroleum bioremediation since they metabolize various components of petroleum and oxidize them to CO2 Be able to diagram a bioremediation site, and explain how microbes help clean up pollution in soils What is the role of dechlorination in bioremediation; what is an example of a bioremediation pathway that involves several dechlorination
View Full Document
Unlocking...