Mineral electronic energy cooperates with microbial extracellular electron transfer and growth metabolism

Abstract:

Minerals are an important carrier for absorption and conversion of energy in the inorganic nature. The extracellular electron transfer between microorganisms and minerals reflects the influence of mineral electronic energy on microbial growth and energy acquisition. According to the source and generation of electrons, previous studies have shown that the outermost or sub-outer valence electrons of the variable elements in minerals and the photoelectrons on the conduction band of semiconductor minerals are two different forms of extracellular electron energy, which generation and transfer methods are closely related to the electron carrier of the microbe-mineral interaction interface and energy conversion mechanism. In the process of extracellular electron transfer between minerals and microorganisms, different forms of mineral electronic energy have both similarities and differences. In addition, microbial intracellular-extracellular electron transfer pathways also affect the absorption and acquisition of mineral electronic energy, which affects microbial growth metabolism and other life activities. In this paper, based on the mechanism of different mineral electron energy forms and the common and different characteristics of their participation in biochemical reactions, we review different electron carriers and transmission pathways required by microorganisms to obtain extracellular mineral electron energy, and discuss effects of different mineral electronic energy forms on growth metabolism of microorganisms and other life activities. Furthermore, we look forward to new ways for microorganisms to use mineral electronic energy under natural conditions, which can regulate microbial life activities, with elements and energy cycles promoted.