The sulfur cycle is the process by which sulfur moves between rocks, waterways, and living systems. It involves various chemical transformations facilitated by microbial metabolism.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Microorganisms play a crucial role in the sulfur cycle by oxidizing and reducing different sulfur compounds.
Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria convert hydrogen sulfide (H2S) into sulfate (SO4^2-).
Sulfate-reducing bacteria reduce sulfate to hydrogen sulfide under anaerobic conditions.
Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is a significant volatile compound produced during the sulfur cycle, influencing cloud formation and climate.
The sulfur cycle is essential for synthesizing amino acids such as cysteine and methionine.
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Related terms
Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria: Microorganisms that use sulfate as an electron acceptor, reducing it to hydrogen sulfide.
Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria: Bacteria that oxidize reduced sulfur compounds like hydrogen sulfide into sulfate.