Title: Archaea - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Headings: Archaea
Archaea
Archaea
Abstract
ARCHAEA
Psychrophiles
Archaea (overview)
Introduction
Ammonia-Oxidising Archaea – Physiology, Ecology and Evolution
7.5 AOA in Sediments
Archaeal SF1 and SF2 Helicases
Abstract
Gastrointestinal Microbiota
Archaea
Microbes and Plants
Archaea
Microbial Biodiversity
Glossary
Metagenomics
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Virus
Structure and Dynamics of Membranes
5 Archaebacterial membranes
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Content: 28,29 Recent 16S rRNA gene-based studies in the author's laboratory revealed two distinct archaeal phyla in the intestine of dogs and cats: Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota. Similar to man, Methanobacteria were the most abundant class of archaea. The role of archaea in GI health and disease remains unclear. Methanogens are associated with periodontal disease in man. 30 They are considered commensal in the GI tract, but they may contribute to pathogenicity through mutualistic interactions with other microbes. 31 One major function of methanogens is the scavenging of various fermentation products produced by other microbes (e.g., CO 2, H 2, alcohols, and acetic acid), resulting in the production of methane and CO 2. The reduction of hydrogen promotes an environment that favors the growth of polysaccharide fermenting bacteria, leading to a higher energy utilization of the diet. For example, higher numbers of methanogenic archaea have been observed in obese people. 29 It has also been hypothesized that reduction in hydrogen concentrations results in lower production of hydrogen sulfite by sulfate reducing bacteria, thus reducing damage to epithelial cells.