Defining Genomic and Predicted Metabolic Features of the Acetobacterium Genus

Abstract

Acetogens are anaerobic bacteria capable of fixing CO 2 or CO to produce acetyl-CoA and ultimately acetate using the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway (WLP). This autotrophic metabolism plays a major role in the global carbon cycle and, if harnessed, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the data presented here provide a framework for examining the ecology and evolution of the Acetobacterium genus and highlight the potential of these species as a source for production of fuels and chemicals from CO 2 feedstocks.