Microbe diversity

Suharti S (2010) Modification of rumen microbe diversity and fermentation of cattle using lerak (Sapindus rarak) saponin. PhD dissertation, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia (Indonesian)... 

Pseudomonas. These gram-aegative bacteria are a diverse group of microbes that iahabit plants, water, and sod. Pseudomonads are metabohcaHy versatile, capable of carrying out chemical transformations, mineralization of organic compounds, and colonization on plant roots (16). The use of Pseudomonads strains ia the clean up of chemical wastes and od spills has drawn considerable attention. 

Abstract Alkaloids are very much important molecules, not only for chemical reasons but also because of their diverse biological activities. Up to now several reviews have been published explaining the use of biotransformation or microbial transformation techniques to modify alkaloids, which added several advantages over the classical chemical transformation systems. This chapter is a critical update of the microbial transformations reported in the last couple of years, targeting novel biocatalysts from microbes. 

Materials of Construction MIC processes are those processes by which manufactured materials deteriorate through the presence and activities of microbes. These processes can be either direct or indirect. Microbial biodeterioration of a great many materials (including concretes, glasses, metals and their alloys, and plastics) occurs by diverse mechanisms and usually involves a complex community consisting of many different species of microbes. 

The classic seed burial studies of W. J. Beal and his successors have shown seeds of at least one weed species, Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria L.) can remain viable in soil for a peiod of 100 years, whereas three species continued to germinate after 80 years of burial (30). Weed seeds not only resist decay by soil microbes, but they vary in dormancy characteristics. There is considerable evidence that chemical inhibitors are responsible for both phenomena. Unsaturated lactones and phenolic compounds in particular, are potent antimicrobial compounds present in many seeds (4J. Fruits and seeds are also known to contain diverse germination inhibitors including phenolic compounds, flavonoids and/or their glycosides and tannins. Unique methods to destroy inhibitors could provide an excellent weed management strategy. 

Miki T, Ushio M, Fukui S, Kondoh M. Functional diversity of microbial decomposers facilitates plant coexistence in a plant-microbe-soil feedback model. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2010.107 pp. 14251-14256. doi 10.1073/pnas.0914281107. 

Mn2+ active transport system in Staphylococcus aureus. These metal-microbe interactions result in decrease microbial growth, abnormal morphological changes, and inhibition of biochemical processes in individual (Akmal et al. 2005a,b). The toxic effects of metals can be seen on a community level as well. In response to metal toxicity, overall community numbers and diversity decrease. Soil is a living system where all biochemical activities proceed through enzymatic processes. Heavy metals have also adverse effects on enzyme activities (Fig. 1). 

Wu T, Chellemi DO, Graham JH, Martin KJ, Rosskopf EN (2008) Comparison of soil bacterial communities under diverse agricultural land management and crop production practices. Microb Ecol 55 293-310... 

Nature is a highly innovative chemist, and we know only a small fraction of the universe of natural products. Currently, about half of the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States are either small-molecule natural products, such as penicillin, or synthetic molecules that are based on natural products but have better properties. The other half are products of the creative imagination of medicinal chemists. Nature s genetic and chemical diversity is a treasure that should not be squandered. One reason to maintain ecosystems such as rain forests intact is that less than 10% of plant species have been systematically investigated for their chemical products. Also, many microbes, insects, and other species have not been explored for useful products. 

Jurkevitch, E., 2007, Predatory behaviors in bacteria - Diversity and transitions. Microbe 2, 67-73. 

Soil microbes. Effects include reduced microbial biomass and/or species diversity, thus affecting microbial processes such as enzyme synthesis and activity, litter decomposition, associated with carbon and nitrogen mineralization, and soil respiration ... 

Voigt, C.C., Caspers, B. and Speck, S. (2005) Bats, bacteria, and bat smell Sex-specific diversity of microbes in a sexually selected scent organ. J. Mammal. 86, 745-749... 

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