Introduction
Humans and (nearly) all other animals require oxygen to survive, many bacteria species have evolved. Instead of oxygen as the final electron acceptor for cellular respiration, some bacteria can use iron or manganese, effectively “breathing” metal. Since the discovery of Shewanella oneidensis and Geobacter metallireducens in the sediments of Oneida Lake and the Potomac River, these “electric bacteria” have risen to prominence as components of microbial fuel cells and microbial electrosynthesis for fuel and other biochemical production.
Hook: Open with a captivating anecdote or scientific fact highlighting the surprising ability of bacteria to generate electricity. (Cite a relevant source from Tingting Yang’s research or another credible source).
Electric Bacteria Defined: Briefly explain the concept of electric bacteria, their basic characteristics, and the process of electrogenesis (electricity generation).
The Debate: Introduce the central theme – the potential benefits (boon) and drawbacks (bane) associated with utilizing electric bacteria for energy generation.
Research Focus: Briefly mention the specific aspects of electric bacteria that Tingting Yang’s research focuses on (e.g., specific type of bacteria, potential applications, or environmental considerations).
Electric Marvels of the Microbial World
Diversity in the Deep: Drawing on Tingting Yang’s research and relevant scientific literature, explore the diverse range of electric bacteria found in various environments.
Highlight the different mechanisms of electrogenesis employed by various species.
Consider including a table or graphic summarizing key types and their electrogenic processes.
Unveiling the Secrets: Electrogenesis Explained
Based on Tingting Yang’s research and established scientific knowledge, delve deeper into the biological mechanisms behind electricity generation in electric bacteria.
Explain concepts like electron transport chains and the role of specific enzymes involved in electrogenesis.
Maintain a clear and concise explanation, avoiding overly technical jargon.
Consider incorporating diagrams or illustrations to enhance understanding.
A Natural Habitat: Discuss the natural environments where electric bacteria thrive, drawing on Tingting Yang’s research focus and relevant ecological studies.
Explore diverse habitats like marine sediments, wastewater treatment plants, and even the human gut microbiome.
Explain how these environments provide the necessary conditions for their survival and electricity production.
How did you get into electro-microbiology?
My graduate studies at the California Institute of Technology focused on applied physics and materials science. When I finished my graduate studies in 2006, I wanted to pursue a career in biophysics. Instead of joining a physics lab that does biology, I thought it would be best to join a biology lab and just see how it worked.
We simply discover something, and there are enough intelligent people in the world to steer it in unexpected directions. It is one of the strongest arguments for basic research.
– Moh El-Naggar, University of Southern California.
That meant I was looking for postdoctoral job openings that I was completely unqualified for. I’d never streaked a plate to grow bacteria before. During those days, I contacted a number of people, including Ken Nealson, a highly regarded microbiologist at USC. I later discovered that he was the first scientist to isolate Shewanella oneidensis, which became a model organism for studying this new class of microbes known as electric bacteria.
I said, “I’ve heard you’re doing all these interesting projects with bacteria and electrons.” I might know something about electron transfer, but I’ve never worked with bacteria.” Instead of declining, he asked me if I could drive down to USC that afternoon. Everything worked out from there. So, my entry into the field was essentially a cold call to a well-known microbiologist, who decided to take a chance on me.
How can the bacterium export these electrons?
Blue and yellow rectangular cable bacteria produce lengthy filaments.
Cable bacteria are multicellular bacteria that can carry electrons across vast distances.
Tingting Yang, University of Southern California
We’ve known for a long that electrons can travel around in cells via electron tunneling, which involves moving extremely short distances, perhaps a few nanometers, between molecules. It turns out that many of the creatures we’ve been investigating produce molecules called multiheme cytochromes, which are essentially proteins with iron cores. This tunneling process allows electrons to bounce from one iron to the next.
Electric Bacteria: A Boon for a Sustainable Future?
Harnessing Microbial Power:
Explore the potential applications of electric bacteria in generating clean and renewable energy, referencing Tingting Yang’s research and ongoing advancements in the field.
Discuss concepts like microbial fuel cells and how they utilize bacteria to convert organic matter into electricity.
Include real-world examples of ongoing research and development projects, potentially highlighting those involving Tingting Yang’s contributions.
Read More: SpaceX Launch Taking Crew to ISS
Environmental Benefits: Analyze the environmental advantages of utilizing electric bacteria for energy production, drawing on relevant scientific studies and Tingting Yang’s research focus.
Highlight their potential contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Consider including data or visualizations to illustrate the environmental benefits.
Discovery of electric bacteria by Nealson and other researchers in the 1980s
Before the late 1980s, people were aware that there were anaerobic bacteria that did not require oxygen for survival. However, the general consensus was that whatever molecule the bacteria used instead of oxygen had to be soluble and able to enter the cells for use in respiration. Ken and another distinguished microbiologist, Derek Lovley of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, independently discovered anaerobic microbes that functioned differently. Instead of waiting for the electron-accepting molecule to enter the cell, bacteria transport electrons outside the cell to a solid surface.
