How Geobacter Microbes Produce Electricity | Electric Microbes

Trailblazing microbiologist Gemma Reguera introduces us to her favorite microbe, the electricity-producing Geobacter, and describes how her research opened the door to a new field of study: Electromicrobiology. For Educators: Access free teaching resources at ~ About the Film: Electric Microbes ~ Trailblazing #microbiologist Gemma Reguera introduces us to her favorite #microbe, the electricity-producing #Geobacter. This unassuming single-celled organism possesses a remarkable ability to generate #electricity through a unique form of #respiration. Not the breathing kind of respiration; this is a specific chemical process, one which involves the capture of energy from molecules through the transfer of electrons. The way it works is that Geobacter “oxidize” or remove electrons from molecules like acetate. These electrons travel down little hairs on the Geobacter’s underside called #nanowires. As these nanowires make contact with minerals in their external environment, the electrons are transferred to these minerals, causing their “reduction.” This reduction leads to the breakdown of the minerals in the surrounding environment. In this way, Geobacter plays a pivotal role in the intricate web of #nutrientcycling, influencing the fabric of the ecosystems they inhabit. Gemma’s groundbreaking research has opened the doors to a new frontier in scientific exploration: #Electromicrobiology, a novel scientific research field that focuses on studying microorganisms that are capable of extracellular #electrontransfer. Her passion for electric microbes really comes through in this film. Plus, the paper puppets of Geobacter are really fun to watch! #microbes #microbiology #GemmaReguera #oxidation #cellularrespiration #electricmicrobes #educator ~About the Science Communication Lab~ We are a non-profit organization of scientists and filmmakers collaborating on documentaries in order to build a more scientifically-engaged society. Find out more at ~ Credits and Resources ~ Directed by Ruth Lichtman & Sharon Shattuck For full credits and more resources, please visit the film’s website at Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under © 2023 Science Communication Lab™. All rights reserved.