The family methanocalculaceae

Abstract

The family Methanocalculaceae currently (January 2014) consists of a single genus: Methanocalculus, with five species. This family of mesophilic, salt-tolerant, and neutrophilic or alkaliphilic methanogens belongs to the order Methanomicrobiales. The members are irregular cocci that possess a protein S-layer wall. Methanogenesis from H2/CO2 or from formate is the only mode of energy generation documented. Acetate is required as a carbon source, and other growth factors may be required. Members of the Methanomicrobiaceae have been found in a variety of anaerobic environments where methane is produced: an oil-producing well, marine and estuarine sediments, and sediments of soda lakes.