Diversity of Methanogens

摘要: Methanogens are a phylogenetically distinct group of strictly anaerobic Archaea, characterized by the ability to produce methane as their major metabolic product. They only known organisms that hydrocarbon catabolic end thrive in habitats devoid oxygen, where they play an important role degradation organic matter. These further additional similarities: 1) substrate range is limited simple molecules, generally not exceeding two carbons size, 2) membranes contain novel lipids found most other microorganisms, 3) lack peptidoglycan containing muramic acid, and 4) all utilize very similar mechanism.