Prokaryotic microalgae

Bioprocesses for the removal of nitrogen oxides from polluted air are an interesting alternative [58], but current reaction rates are still too low for large-scale applications. Advanced biological processes for the removal of NO from flue gases are based on the catalytic activity of either eukaryotes or prokaryotes, e.g. nitrification, denitrification, the use of microalgae and a combined physicochemical and biological process (BioDeNO ). 

The former two classes of examples are found in animals, in many plants and fungi, at least during some stages of their life cycle, and in about half the prokaryotes. The third class is normal for all multicellular eukaryotes, and is also found among specialized microalgae, primitive fungi, and even social prokaryotes. 

The cellular structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microalgae is quite distinct. Prokaryotic microalgal cells possess a gram-negative cell wall with four layers, below which there is plasma membrane. Within the cells, there are thylakoids which contain the photosynthetic machinery that lie free in the cytoplasm. Typical cell inclusions consists of... 

Numerous attempts have been made to exploit new routes for the direct production of L-ascorbic acid from inexpensive feedstocks in a commercially attractive way. The list of putative production organisms contains microalgae (Chlorella, Prototheca), yeasts Candida, Saccharomyces, Zygosaccharomyces), and (recombinant) prokaryotes (Gluconobacter, Ketogulonicigenium, Xanthomonas). 

Figure 6.2 Examples of two aquatic microorganisms used for biomass growth (a) prokaryotic cyanobacteria Spirulina (Simon, 1994) (Photo taken by Joan Simon / CC-BY-SA-2.5). Reproduced from http //commons.wikimedia.0rg/wiki/File Spirul.jpg and (b) eukaryotic microalgae Haematococcus (Taka, 2006) (Photo taken by Taka.) Reproduced from http // commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/FHe Haematococcus (2006 02J27).jpg...

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