GeoMicrobiology (EAS/BIOL
6765)
I. General Information
Dr. Thomas J. DiChristina;
office: 1240 ES&T; phone: 4-8419; e-mail:
thomas.dichristina@biology.gatech.edu.
Dr. Martial Taillefert;
office: 1238 ES&T; phone: 4-6043; e-mail: mtaillef@eas.gatech.edu.
Classes: ES&T L1116 Tu, Th 15:05-16:25
II. Objectives
The objective of this
course is to describe interactions between microorganisms and the
geosphere
to bridge the gap between geochemistry and environmental microbiology.
Fundamental processes such as: microbial physiology and genetics;
geochemical
controls on microbial diversity and activity; microbiological controls
on geochemical reaction networks; redox and acid-base geochemistry;
biogeochemical
cycles; and evolution will be studied.
III. Course Material
Course material is based
on class notes, handouts, and assigned readings. There are no specific
textbook associated with this course, but the following will be used
regularly:
· T. Fenchel;
G. M. King; T. H. Blackburn. 2000. Bacterial Biogeochemistry: the
ecophysiology
of mineral cycling. Academic Press.
· E. A. Paul;
F. E. Clark. 2000. Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry. Academic Press.
· J. F. Banfield;
K. H. Nealson. 1997. Geomicrobiology: interactions between microbes and
minerals. Reviews in Mineralogy Vol. 35. Mineralogical Society of
America.
· F. J. Stevenson;
M. A. Cole. 1999. Cycles of Soils: Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus,
Sulfur,
Micronutrients, 2nd Edition. Wiley.
· M.T. Madigan;
J.M. Martinko; J. Parker. 2000. Brock Biology of Microorganisms. 9th
edition,
Prentice Hall.
· J.W. Lengeler,
G. Drews, H.G. Schlegel. 1999. Biology of the Prokaryotes, Blackwell
Science.
· W. Stumm;
J. J. Morgan. 1996. Aquatic Chemistry. Chemical equilibria and rates in
natural waters. Wiley.
IV. Grading
Paper presentations: 50%.
Term paper: 40%. Participation: 10%.
V. Course Outline
1. Introduction
The geochemist’s view of the world; the microbiologist’s view of the
world.
2. Carbon fixation:
origin of life
Cyanobacteria and photosynthesis; stromatolites; limiting nutrients;
unculturable
and culturable photosynthesizers, methanogenesis.
3. Carbon oxidation:
greenhouse gases
Mineralization of organic matter; inhibition/competition between
organisms;
greenhouse gases; gas hydrates and methane oxidation.
4. Nitrogen cycle:
a complex redox network
Nitrogen chemistry; mechanisms and regulation of bacterial N fixation;
bacterial symbiosis with the rhizosphere;
ammonium
formation; nitrification; denitrification.
5. Metal cycling:
battle between chemical and biological pathways of metal transformations
Structure and chemistry of minerals; metal speciation; Mn and Fe
oxidation;
metal oxidizers and anoxygenic phototrophs; chemical and bacterial
metal
reduction; bacterial mechanisms for detoxification; uptake of essential
elements.
6. Sulfur cycle:
the impact of sulfur-utilizing bacteria
Sulfur chemistry; global sulfur cycle; sulfur oxidizers; sulfate
reduction;
microbial diversity in the sulfur cycle; oxidation of sulfur minerals.
VI. Organization of the
Course
The course will consist
of introductory lectures given by the instructors followed by review
papers
presented by the students. The course is designed to be a discussion
between
participants who will also read each paper assigned by the instructors.
Participation is graded. Every student registered for the class is
expected
to read each paper carefully and have at least three questions to be
addressed
in class. Papers presentations should not exceed 30 minutes and will be
followed by a 15 minute discussion. As a result, it is expected that
two
papers will be presented each lecture.
A term paper will
be required from each student in the class. This paper should be a
critical
review of a published work of their choice, preferably in relation with
the student’s own research. The term paper should not exceed 10 pages
included
figures and references.