The process of extracellular electron transfer based on cytochrome c

Abstract:

Electroactive microorganisms, with the unique ability of extracellular electron transfer, play a key role in geochemical cycle and environmental remediation. Cytochrome c participates in not only direct but also mediated extracellular electron transfer of electroactive microorganisms. The cytochrome c-mediated electron transfer is essential in the circulation of iron, manganese, carbon and other elements in the earth’s environment. Furthermore, it demonstrates good application potential in many fields such as energy production, wastewater treatment, and bioremediation. Taking the two model genera (Shewanella and Geobacter) of electroactive microorganisms as examples, this paper introduces the intracellular-to- extracellular electron transfer pathways of electroactive microorganisms, expounds the important role of cytochrome c in extracellular electron transfer, summarizes the analytical methods of cytochrome c-mediated electron transfer, and finally puts forward the future research direction of microbial extracellular electron transfer.