Question

2. BigMoney Inc. has also had a major spill of inorganic Fe that contaminated the soil around their plant. Scientists at BigMoney have developed mechanisms for removing Fe from soil, but have not found one for Fe. They want to know, on a strictly theoretical basis (regardless of whether bacteria exist im nature that actually.do these specific reactions) f there are any types of bacteria a. Is this an oxidation or reduction? (0.5 point) b. Is Fe acting as an electron acceptor or donor? (0.5 point) c. Which of the following metabolisms (aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, aerobic chemolithotrophy and anaerobic chemolithotrophy) could be used to carry out this reaction? You may not change the pathways in any manner except the exact molecules that serve as the final electron acceptors and the initial electrons donors, however, the donors and acceptors may NOT change type (organic vs. inorganic). For example if a microbe would normally use an organic electron donor and an inorganic electron acceptor, this CANNOT change. You must think about whether each of these metabolisms can oxidize or reduce inorganic materials. Remember, think strictly theoretically. Note, you must indicate ALL metabolisms that could be used. (1 point) d. For each of the metabolisms that could be used, describe exactly how Fe2 will be formed providing the following information: (5 points) 1) Is the initial electron donor (from where are the electrons being taken) organic or 2) Which of the pathways discussed in class (glycolysis, TCA, electron transport chain 3) Is the final electron acceptor oxygen or not oxygen, and is it organic or inorganic? inorganic chemolithotrophy, photosynthesis, and fermentation) will be used to get the electrons? 4) Please provide a specific example of a half reaction (either initial oxidation or final reduction) that would work with the half reaction provided in this scenario, and briefly describe why it was chosen. Hint: your answer must consider the reduction potential of the electron acceptor compared to that of the electron donor and the half equation given must be either the donating or accepting reaction. Note: you may assume other molecules, both organic and inorganic, are present in the soil.

Answer 1