Advances in physiological and ecological functions of manganese oxidizing bacteria and the underlying molecular mechanisms

Abstract:

Coupled with nutrient cycling, the biogeochemical cycling of manganese (Mn) has so far been considered as one of the most important contributors to worldwide ecology balance and environmental changes. In nature, the formation of manganese oxides is driven by bacterial oxidation. Manganese oxidizing bacteria live in various ecosystems including marine and soil systems, and recently, they have been discovered in plant micro-ecosystem with an unknown physiological and ecological function. The bacterial-mediated oxidation of manganese is a complex process in which multicopper oxidase, peroxidase and catalase are the main enzymes involved. However, the action mode of the enzymes are not fully studied. Here, we review the achievements and unresolved problems on biological diversity, physiological and ecological functions of manganese oxidizing bacteria, as well as action mode to in bacterial manganese oxidation. The development trend in this research field is also prospected.