Methanobacterium formicicum

Methanobacterium formicicum is a species of microorganism belonging to the domain of the Archaea. It is a methanogenic archaeon, meaning it produces methane as a byproduct of its metabolism.

Methanobacterium formicicum is commonly found in anaerobic environments, such as wetlands, digestive tracts of ruminant animals, and other habitats rich in organic matter.

The key characteristics

1. Morphology: Methanobacterium formicicum is a rod-shaped microorganism with a size range of approximately 0.4 to 2.5 micrometers in length and 0.2 to 0.5 micrometers in width. It lacks flagella and is non-motile. The cell wall of Methanobacterium formicicum lacks peptidoglycan, a characteristic feature of Archaea. A strain of this microorganism was characterised by Bryant and Boone (1987).
2. Metabolic Pathway: Methanobacterium formicicum is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it thrives in environments devoid of oxygen. It obtains energy by utilizing hydrogen (H2) gas and carbon dioxide (CO2) in a process called methanogenesis. Methane (CH4) is produced as a metabolic byproduct, contributing to the global methane cycle. Methanobacterium formicicum can also use formate as a substrate for methanogenesis.
3. Habitat: Methanobacterium formicicum is commonly found in anaerobic environments with high organic matter content. It can be isolated from various habitats, including wetlands, marshes, sewage sludge, and the digestive tracts of ruminant animals, where it plays a role in the microbial degradation of organic matter and the production of methane.
4. Ecological Importance: Methanobacterium formicicum, along with other methanogenic archaea, plays a significant role in the global carbon cycle and the production of greenhouse gases. Through methanogenesis, these microorganisms contribute to the emission of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that influences climate change. The microorganism also participates in anaerobic digestion processes, such as the breakdown of organic matter in wastewater treatment systems and biogas production from biomass.
5. Research and Applications: Methanobacterium formicicum has been the subject of scientific research to understand its metabolic pathways, enzymatic activities, and its role in microbial communities. It is also studied in the context of anaerobic digestion, biogas production, and the potential for utilizing methane as a renewable energy source.
6. The fermentation and growth profile of this archaon was assessed in pure culture by monitoring samples taken from the gas phase using a chemical sensor array known as the electronic nose (Brandgård et al., 2001) in combination with principal component analysis (PCA). Although the focus was on the performance of the electronic nose, the technique was used to monitor methane production alongside an independent measure of protein. 

Additionally, its enzymes and genetic elements have been investigated for their potential industrial and biotechnological applications.

Methanobacterium formicicum is a methanogenic archaeon that contributes to methane production in anaerobic environments. Its metabolic capabilities and ecological significance make it an interesting organism for studying the global carbon cycle, anaerobic processes, and exploring its potential applications in various fields.

References

Brandgård, J., Sundh, I., Nordberg, Å. et al. (2001) Monitoring growth of the methanogenic archaea Methanobacterium formicicum using an electronic nose. Biotechnology Letters 23, pp. 241–248 (Article). 

Bryant, M. P., & Boone, D. R. (1987). Isolation and characterization of Methanobacterium formicicum MF. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology, 37(2), pp. 171-171 (Article)