Anaerobic bacteria were among the first life forms on Earth and existed at a time when there was no oxygen in the atmosphere. While many organisms depend on an oxygen-rich environment to survive, anaerobes thrive in places where others cannot—in completely oxygen-free habitats, such as the human gut or the ocean floor. The enzymes of these bacteria are even sensitive to oxygen. Their remarkable adaptability is increasingly attracting the attention of researchers.
Yellow bacterial pigment provides new insights into cellulose degradation for biofuels and antibiotics
