Explain why the discovery of iron-oxidizing phototrophs has important implications for both understanding the evolution of photosynthesis and explaining the large deposits of ferric iron (Fe3+) found in ancient sediments on Earth

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: The sediments containing Fe3+ predate the existence of photosynthetic cyanobacteria that were responsible for oxygenation of the Earth. It is therefore likely these Fe3+ deposits were not formed through spontaneous (abiotic) conversion of Fe2+ and O2. Instead, it is thought anaerobic chemolithotrophs or anoxygenic phototrophs created these deposits through oxidation of Fe2+ into Fe3+.

Biology & Microbiology

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The female sex cells develop in paired organs in the abdomen called ________.

A) ovaries B) oocytes C) vagina D) clitoris

Biology & Microbiology

Pertussis has the following characteristics, except

What will be an ideal response?

Biology & Microbiology

Which of the following samples of microbial communities would be best suited for study by microelectrode experiments?

A. Striated microbial mats B. Ten gallons of seawater C. During infection in a human patient D. Sample sorted by optical tweezers

Biology & Microbiology

It is common for a normal, healthy individual to carry potentially pathogenic organisms in their upper respiratory tract

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Biology & Microbiology