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Methanogens are single celled archaean organisms that produce methane a s metabolic byproduct. Found in a variety of environments from marshlands to the intestinal tract of other organismsConsidered to be extremophiles they are found in hot springs, hydrothermal vents, in ice, dry desert soil as well as in solid rock.All methanogens are anaerobic an cannot function under aerobic conditions but can tolerate oxygen stress for prolonged periods of time (M. barkeri is the exception with the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD)Most methanogens reduce CO2 and H2 to form CH4 however some are able to utilize acetate (CH3COO-) as a carbon source and others are able to use formate as an electron donators. Methanogens are able to reproduce at a varied range of temperatures depending on the species from 15 - >100 degrees CelsiusMost methanogens are autotrophic producers however there are few classified as chemotrophs.

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14y ago

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