Bacterial metabolism, Questions ?

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The discussion centers on the complexities of bacterial metabolism, particularly the processes of energy acquisition through oxidation and reduction of compounds like H2S. A key point raised is the confusion surrounding bacteria that oxidize H2S to sulfur versus those that reduce sulfur back to H2S, questioning whether this creates a perpetual motion scenario. The conversation also touches on photosynthetic bacteria that utilize both inorganic substrates and photosynthesis for energy, prompting inquiries into the reasons behind these metabolic choices.Participants seek comprehensive online references for understanding various bacterial metabolic pathways, emphasizing a desire for resources that explain the logic and physics of these processes rather than just chemical details. The Helmstetter-Cummings technique for achieving synchronized growth is mentioned, with recommendations for university-level microbiology texts and original research papers to clarify this method. The discussion also briefly explores the Entner-Doudoroff pathway, questioning its efficiency in energy production relative to glucose metabolism. Overall, the thread highlights a need for clarity and accessible resources in the study of bacterial metabolism.
jhirlo
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Please help, I have some problems with understanding bacterial metabolism. If we have bacteria who for example gets energy by oxidizing H2S to S, and than we have one that gets it’s energy by reducing S to H2S, doesn’t that seems like perpetuum mobile. I’m probably missing something here, but I can't see it (light or something?).

Then, some photosynthetic bacteria, use oxidation of inorganic substrate for energy, although they can photosynthesize (using that same substrate H2S), why?

Generally, am looking for some good online reference for general (non aerobe, non glicolitic) all bacterial metabolisms (not so much in chemical but in logic/physics way), because currently I’m lost in see of different types of energy yielding, and I need answers really fast.

Thanks!

p.s. it would be great if someone care to explain Helmstetter - Cummings technique of achieving synchronized growth
 
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The best resource would be a university level microbiology book. This summary in the following link should be usefull
http://textbookofbacteriology.net/metabolism.html

jhirlo said:
p.s. it would be great if someone care to explain Helmstetter - Cummings technique of achieving synchronized growth

You might want to read to original paper by Helmstetter and Cummings, I find it quite good at explaning their method and results.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=221258
 
I got a new one :), what about ED "entner - doudoroff" pathway, what's it's point ? So much trouble just over one ATP/glucose.
 
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