Methane Producer

Click here to see a JPEG of this microbe. Kingdom: Archaebacterium Scientific Name: Methanosarcina Image Courtesy of: Dazzo, Frank; Yokoyama, Mel Image Width: 7 microns Image Technology: Light Microscopy

This microbe thrives where there is no oxygen. Places lacking oxygen are called anaerobic. Methane producers live in swamps, in the guts of cows and deer, in human bowels, and in sewage. This microbe, known as a methanogen, produces methane, also known as swampgas. Other microbes that live in anaerobic environments give off acetate, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide as wastes. Methanosarcina consumes these biproducts to get energy for itself. It then gives off methane gas.