Microbiology: Principles and Explorations 9th Edition

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11874-316-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-11874-316-4

Chapter 6 - Growth and Culturing of Bacteria - Explorations On The Web - Page 178: 2

Answer

It is believed that iron-eating bacteria are the first living organisms on this planet. A billion years ago, the planet only contained little oxygen and no ozone layer; thus, earth was subjected to high levels of ultra-violet radiation. It is believed that certain bacteria were able to eat dissolved iron with rust as the by product. Iron-bearing rock formation can be seen today as a result of this process.

Work Step by Step

It is believed that iron-eating bacteria are the first living organisms on this planet. A billion years ago, the planet only contained little oxygen and no ozone layer; thus, earth was subjected to high levels of ultra-violet radiation. It is believed that certain bacteria were able to eat dissolved iron with rust as the by product. Iron-bearing rock formation can be seen today as a result of this process.
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