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Mud Puddle Bacteria
Name: Daniel
Status: Other
Grade: Other
Location: OH
Country: United States
Date: April 2008
Question:
I read about a kind of bacteria, that is commonly found in
mud puddles, and that reacts various minerals in its surroundings to
survive. Could you tell me where I might look to find out more
detailed information? (i.e. scientific names, traits)
Replies:
I think you might be thinking of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, which lives
in sewers, mine waters, and other places. It breaks down sulfur to sulfuric
acid (hence the name). I'm not sure how common it is in mud puddles that
form from rain, but it can be found in soil and various waste waters.
Some more general info:
Traditionally, plants use sunlight and CO2 to build the molecules they need
for life and give off oxygen. Animals eat organic molecules for food and use
oxygen, and give off CO2. However, there are several kinds of organisms that
break these typical 'rules'. Bacteria and archaea (archaea are single-celled
organisms that resemble bacteria, but their internal machinery is different)
can use many other substances. For example, they might break down various
organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals (like iron and sulfur), like you
mention.
Typically these organisms thrive where oxygen (or CO2), organic food, and/or
light are not widely available, or where conditions are otherwise very
extreme. The nickname "extremophiles" is often used because they live in
boiling-hot springs, deep sea vents, and similar extreme locales. For
example, deep ocean vents have a lot of dissolved iron, and so
microorganisms that live there might reduce that iron for energy. In a
typical mud puddle, you would not likely find these kind of extremophiles
because it's 'easier' to use oxygen, CO2, and organic molecules to support
life. If you dig a little deeper into the mud below a pond or natural
puddle, you might find anaerobes (organisms that live without oxygen) that
break down various chemicals, produce methane or other substances.
Hope this helps,
Burr
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