Bioenergetics of marine bacteria

Abstract

Some marine bacteria have a special energy-transducing mechanism that is different from those found in Escherichia coli or most of the freshwater and terrestrial bacteria. These marine bacteria specifically require Na+ for their growth and utilize a Na+ circuit for various cellular functions. So far, three types of primary Na+ pump have been identified (i.e. respiration-dependent, decarboxylase-driven and Na+ ATP synthase). Among them, the first type of Na+ pump plays the major role in the marine environment. Recently, the gene sequence and distribution of this Na+ pump have been clarified. In addition, information on genetics and the ecological significance of Na+ driven flagellar motors has also been accumulating. This recent progress in the research of the 'Na+ world' is revealing an interesting way of life that is unique to marine microorganisms.