Carbon cycle: Difference between revisions

From MicrobeWiki, the student-edited microbiology resource
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 16: Line 16:
====Aromatics, Aliphatics, and Lipids====
====Aromatics, Aliphatics, and Lipids====
===Formation of Humic Substances===
===Formation of Humic Substances===
====Subsection 1a====
====Subsection 1b====
===Hydrosphere===
====Subsection 1a====
====Subsection 1b====
===Atmosphere===
====Subsection 1a====
====Subsection 1a====
====Subsection 1b====
====Subsection 1b====


==Key Classes of Microorganisms in the Carbon Cycle==
==Key Classes of Microorganisms in the Carbon Cycle==
Line 35: Line 30:
==Atmospheric Changes Relating to the Carbon Cycle==
==Atmospheric Changes Relating to the Carbon Cycle==
===Global Warming===
===Global Warming===
Gobal warming
====Methane Production====


===Acid Rain===
===Acid Rain===

Revision as of 20:08, 9 March 2008

Introduction

The Carbon Cycle affects all life on Earth. Elemental carbon is neither created or destroyed, so the recycling of carbon-containing compounds in the environment is essential to the continuation of life. Recently there has been increased interest in the Carbon Cycle becuase of global climate change and our awareness of CO2


Describe briefly the process you will address and the significance of soil microorganisms in the process (what functions do they perform?).

The Carbon Cycle

Describe the process, using as many sections/subsections as you require. Look at the list of other topics. Which involve processes similar to yours? Create links where relevant.

Decomposition of Organic Matter

Sugars and Proteins

Cellulose

Hemicellulose

Chitin

Lignin

Aromatics, Aliphatics, and Lipids

Formation of Humic Substances

Subsection 1a

Subsection 1b

Key Classes of Microorganisms in the Carbon Cycle

Autotrophs

An important step of the carbon cycle is the fixation of atmospheric CO2 and the subsequent production of organic molecules. Organisms that can convert CO2 into organic molecules are called autotrophs, and include plants, algae, some bacteria, and some archaea. Some bacteria specifically involved in carbon fixation are Cyanobacteria (such as Chroococcus, Nostoc, and Spirulina) and some species of Aquifex,such as Aquifex aeolicus. Cyanobacteria are also important Nitrogen fixers in the Nitrogen cycle including GHG

Saprobes

Another important step in the Carbon Cycle is the decomposition of complex organic matter to produce CO2 (essentially the reverse of carbon fixation). Organisms important in decomposition are bacteria (such as Streptomyces and Clostridium thermocellum), fungi of all kinds, and protists such as Paramecium.

Identify and describe some microorganisms involved. Do they already have their own microbewiki pages? Add links. Create at least one page for a microbe relevant to your topic. Template will appear soon.

Atmospheric Changes Relating to the Carbon Cycle

Global Warming

Methane Production

Acid Rain

Current Research

Enter summaries of recent research here--at least three required

References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.


Edited by student of Kate Scow