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When an organism respires it produces electrons which are normally passed to a terminal electron acceptor. For many organisms this is oxygen. In environments where there is no oxygen, such as in sediments and in soils, organisms use different terminal electron acceptors. Common alternatives are Nitrate and Sulphate but some bacteria are known to use solid compounds as a terminal electron acceptor. There are some species of bacteria that can use iron as a terminal electron acceptor.

The ability of some bacteria to reduce (that means give electrons to) iron in sediments is exploited in Microbial Fuel Cells. The microbes (bacteria) reduce an electrode (called the anode) by using it as a terminal electron acceptor as they metabolise (eat) high energy compounds such as sugars. By linking the anode to another electrode (called the cathode) you can make a circuit that electrons can flow through. Just imagine it like a battery, the anode is the negative terminal and the cathode is the positive terminal and the electrons come from the sugar, pass through the bacteria (giving it energy on the way) and are then passed to the anode.

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What problems are there with microbial fuel cells?

Some challenges with microbial fuel cells include low power output, slow reaction rates, and high production costs. Additionally, maintaining a stable microbial community within the fuel cell can be difficult, leading to fluctuations in performance and efficiency.


What is the Use of sodium acetate in microbial fuel cell?

Sodium acetate can be used as a carbon source in microbial fuel cells to provide a substrate for microbial growth and electron transfer. The acetate is metabolized by the microbes, generating electrons that can be transferred to an electrode to produce electricity. Sodium acetate can therefore enhance the performance and efficiency of microbial fuel cells.


How do microbial fuel cells work to generate electricity from organic matter?

Microbial fuel cells generate electricity by harnessing the metabolic activity of microorganisms to break down organic matter. The microorganisms consume the organic matter and release electrons as byproducts. These electrons are then captured by an electrode, creating an electric current that can be used as a source of power.


Use of phosphate buffer in microbial fuel cell?

Phosphate buffer is commonly used in microbial fuel cells to help maintain a stable pH level within the system, as it acts as a buffer solution and resists pH changes. This is important for ensuring optimal microbial activity and performance of the fuel cell. Additionally, phosphate can serve as a nutrient source for the microbes in the system, promoting their growth and metabolic activity.


What energy sources produces electricity by chemically combining gases or liquids into fuel?

Fuel cells are energy sources that produce electricity by chemically combining gases or liquids into fuel. They work through an electrochemical reaction that converts the chemical energy of the fuel into electrical energy, making them an efficient and clean alternative to traditional combustion-based power generation.

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What is the difference between Benthic Microbial Fuel Cell Microbial Fuel Cells Is there a difference?

Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells are basically a microbial fuel cell. Instead of the anode being placed deep into sediment [MFC]- the anode is placed in a chamber where monitored amounts of neutrients/fresh water can enter and be controlled [BFMC]


What problems are there with microbial fuel cells?

Some challenges with microbial fuel cells include low power output, slow reaction rates, and high production costs. Additionally, maintaining a stable microbial community within the fuel cell can be difficult, leading to fluctuations in performance and efficiency.


What is the Use of sodium acetate in microbial fuel cell?

Sodium acetate can be used as a carbon source in microbial fuel cells to provide a substrate for microbial growth and electron transfer. The acetate is metabolized by the microbes, generating electrons that can be transferred to an electrode to produce electricity. Sodium acetate can therefore enhance the performance and efficiency of microbial fuel cells.


How do microbial fuel cells work to generate electricity from organic matter?

Microbial fuel cells generate electricity by harnessing the metabolic activity of microorganisms to break down organic matter. The microorganisms consume the organic matter and release electrons as byproducts. These electrons are then captured by an electrode, creating an electric current that can be used as a source of power.


Use of phosphate buffer in microbial fuel cell?

Phosphate buffer is commonly used in microbial fuel cells to help maintain a stable pH level within the system, as it acts as a buffer solution and resists pH changes. This is important for ensuring optimal microbial activity and performance of the fuel cell. Additionally, phosphate can serve as a nutrient source for the microbes in the system, promoting their growth and metabolic activity.


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For a recent review of fuel cells see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_cell


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How can microbial be controlled in the air?

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