Microbial Diversity and Mineral Transformation with Reference to Endosymbiotic Niches
摘要
Microbial diversity, including prokaryotes and eukaryotes and their symbiotic association with each other, can contribute to geomicrobial processes such as metal precipitation, biotransformation, biogeochemical cycling, mineral transformation, decomposition, bioweathering, soil, and sediment formation. Bacteria contribute considerably to mineral weathering by secreting acids and enzymes that break down rocks and minerals, which in turn release vital nutrients like phosphorus and potassium into the soil. They also play important roles in element cycling, includes nitrogen fixation, which turns nitrogen from the atmosphere into a substance that plants can use, and organic matter breakdown, which releases nutrients back into the soil for plant uptake. Endosymbiotic bacteria likely Rhizobium sp. can expedite weathering and increase accessible silica in the rhizosphere. During weathering, polymeric insoluble silica in soils dissolves and releases monosilicic acid, a bioavailable form of silicon that plants absorb. Symbiotic fungi play crucial roles in aerobic terrestrial environments when considering rock surfaces, soil, and plant root-soil interfaces. Mycorrhizal fungi associated with roots play a significant role in mineral transformation and inorganic nutrient redistribution, including essential metals and phosphate, and regulate environmental carbon flow. Lichens are fungal growth form that create a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic organism. Different microbial groups contribute to mineral transformations and nutrient availability in the environments they inhabit. This chapter includes the significance of endosymbiotic niche in mineral transformation.