Geobacter metallireducens GS-15

Geobacter metallireducens GS-15 is a Gram-negative, bacilli-shaped bacterium that thrives in aquatic habitats. As a chemolithotroph, it utilizes inorganic compounds as an energy source, specifically in anaerobic conditions, which is critical for its survival and metabolic processes. This organism exhibits a free-living biotic relationship and is nonpathogenic, making it a suitable candidate for studying environmental and bioremediation applications. G. metallireducens GS-15 is characterized by its single-cell arrangement and possesses flagella, which contributes to its mobility in the aquatic environment. The bacterium is mesophilic, with an optimal growth temperature of 30°C, and it operates efficiently within a specific temperature range suited to its metabolic needs. The genomic structure of G. metallireducens GS-15 reveals a single replicon and a double-membrane system, which is typical for Gram-negative bacteria. The strain has been cataloged in biological databases, with the accession number NC_007515.1, providing a reference for further research. Ecologically, G. metallireducens GS-15 plays a significant role in biogeochemical cycles, particularly in the reduction of metals and the degradation of organic pollutants in anaerobic environments. Its ability to thrive in oxygen-deprived conditions and utilize inorganic substrates positions it as a crucial player in nutrient cycling and environmental remediation efforts, highlighting its potential applications in bioremediation technologies.