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Methanosarcina barkeri MS.jpg · Resized and converted to WebP for display. Source-identified documentary image; see the original file for method and context. Microvenator · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field guide · species

Methanosarcina barkeri

Schnellen 1947 (Approved Lists 1980) emend. Bryant and Boone 1987

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The authority credits the formal scientific description of the name. A year records publication of that description.

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Methanosarcina barkeri is an anaerobic archaeon with several routes to methane production. Its cells can form conspicuous aggregates, and its metabolic flexibility distinguishes it from methanogens restricted to a narrower range of substrates.

Public research profile · final editorial review pending.

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Advanced classification

Complete source lineage, including intermediate ranks. The standard view uses Life and the eight principal ranks.

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Structure and identification

Rounded cells may occur in packets or aggregates. Growth conditions and strain identity influence cell-surface organization.

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Habitat and range

Oxygen-poor sediments and anaerobic digesters are documented habitats. A rumen-derived strain has also been characterized.

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Nutrition and metabolism

Culture studies demonstrate growth with acetate, methanol or carbon dioxide under the appropriate experimental conditions. Substrate combinations, hydrogen availability and changes in medium acidity influence methanogenesis. A list of usable carbon sources therefore does not mean that each substrate supplies an identical or independent route to energy.

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