Scientists have found that the gut bacterium Blautia luti produces formic acid (formate) instead of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen, with hydrogen bound to CO₂. In this case, formic acid is the electron taxi, allowing the energetically costly production of hydrogen to be bypassed.
Included as a benefit
Members of Applied Microbiology International have unlimited access to The Microbiologist as a benefit of membership. Just sign in with your usual membership credentials.
Find out more about how to join.
FREE
Want to read more before deciding on a subscription? It only takes a minute to sign up for a free account and you’ll get to enjoy more free content each month.
3.75 per month / £35 annually
Get unlimited access to The Microbiologist.