Acetogenesis

Acetogenesis is a process through which acetate is produced by anaerobic bacteria from a variety of energy (for example, hydrogen) and carbon (for example, carbon dioxide) sources. The different bacterial species that are capable of acetogenesis are collectively termed acetogens.

Chemical equation

2 CO₂ (aq) + 4H₂ (aq) = CH₃COOH (aq) + 2H₂O [ [http://www.me.berkeley.edu/ME212/lec6/Thermophiles.pdf#search=%22acetogenesis%20reaction%22 Thermophiles in the Ocean] ]

Acetogenesis and anaerobic digestion

Acetogenesis is the third stage of anaerobic digestion
* Hydrolysis: Particulates are solubilised and large polymers, converted into simpler monomers;
* Acidogenesis: Simple monomers are converted into volatile fatty acids;
* Acetogenesis: Volatile fatty acids are converted into acetic acid, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen; and
* Methanogenesis: Acetate are converted into methane and carbon dioxide, while hydrogen is consumed.

ee also

* Anaerobic digestion
* Acidogenesis
* Methanogenesis

References