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Investigation Of Chemotaxis Genes And Their Functions In Geobacter Species, Hoa T. Tran

Open Access Dissertations

Geobacter species are δ-Proteobacteria and are often predominant in the Fe(III) reduction zone of sedimentary environments. Their abilities to remediate contaminated environments and to produce electricity have inspired extensive studies. Cell motility, biofilm formation, and type IV pili, which have been shown to be regulated by chemotaxis genes in other bacteria, all appear important for the growth of Geobacter species in changing environments and for electricity production. The genomes of Geobacter species show the presence of a significant number of chemotaxis gene homologs, suggesting important roles for them in the physiology of Geobacter species, although gene functions are not yet …