Microbial syntrophy: interaction for the common good

Classical definitions of syntrophy focus on a process, performed through metabolic interaction between dependent microbial partners, such as the degradation of complex organic compounds under anoxic conditions. However, examples from past and current scientific discoveries suggest that a new, simple but wider definition is necessary to cover all aspects of microbial syntrophy. We suggest the term 'obligately mutualistic metabolism', which still focuses on microbial metabolic cooperation but also includes an ecological aspect: the benefit for both partners. By the combined metabolic activity of microorganisms, endergonic reactions can become exergonic through the efficient removal of products and therefore…

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• ES
  European Science Foundation
• DF
  Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

  Award: HU703/2
• SN
  Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung

  Awards: 31EE30-131170, 131170
• ET
  Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich