Some bacteria normally obtain energy by reducing sulfates into sulfides but can switch to an alternative metabolic pathway when necessary, generating acids and free hydrogen ions.

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Metabolic flexibility refers to the ability of many prokaryotes to adapt to changing environments by switching between different energy sources or metabolic pathways depending on resource availability.

Metabolic Flexibility in Prokaryotes

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

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Certain prokaryotic cyanobacteria demonstrate metabolic flexibility by shifting from their typical lipid metabolism (producing fatty aldehydes) to a different lipid pathway that synthesizes biofuels like fatty acids and wax esters.

Example of Metabolic Flexibility in Cyanobacteria

Groundwater bacteria exhibit metabolic flexibility by storing high-energy carbohydrate complexes when grown in pure groundwater, but subsequently metabolizing these molecules when the water is enriched with phosphates.

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