Research article summary (published 3 Aug 2009):

Mineral weathering by bacteria: ecology, actors and mechanisms.

Full Abstract

Soil microbes play an essential role in the environment by contributing to the release of key nutrients from primary minerals that are required not only for their own nutrition but also for that of plants. Although the role of fungi in mineral weathering is beginning to be elucidated, the relative impact of bacteria in this process and the molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Here, we discuss the ecological relevance of bacterial weathering, mainly in the soil and especially in acidic forest ecosystems, which strongly depend on mineral weathering for their sustainability. We also present highlights from recent studies showing molecular mechanisms and genetic determinants involved in the dissolution of complex minerals under aerobic conditions. Finally, we consider the potential applications of genomic resources to the study of bacterial weathering.

Author information

Author/s: Uroz, Stéphane (S); Calvaruso, Christophe (C); Turpault, Marie-Pierre (MP); Frey-Klett, Pascale (P);

Affiliation: Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Nancy Université, UMR 1136 Interactions Arbres Micro-organismes, Centre INRA de Nancy, 54280 Champenoux, France. uroz(-atsign-)nancy.inra.fr

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Trends in microbiology (Trends Microbiol), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Aug; vol 17 (issue 8) : pp 378-87

Dates: Created 2009/08/24; Completed 2009/10/16;

PMID: 19660952, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 10/16/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Aerobiosis Bacteria - metabolism Ecosystem Genome, Bacterial

Genome, Bacterial Genomics Minerals - metabolism Soil Microbiology

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Minerals (0)

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