Anoxic

Definition

Anoxic conditions refer to environments that are devoid of oxygen. These conditions significantly affect the types of organisms that can survive and thrive, particularly favoring certain prokaryotes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Many prokaryotes, including some bacteria and archaea, are adapted to live in anoxic environments.
2. Anoxic conditions often occur in deep ocean sediments, swamps, and other places where oxygen is depleted.
3. Certain metabolic processes like anaerobic respiration and fermentation are favored under anoxic conditions.
4. Methanogens, a type of archaea, produce methane as a byproduct of their metabolism in anoxic environments.
5. Anoxic environments can lead to the accumulation of organic matter since aerobic decomposers cannot function without oxygen.

Review Questions

• What types of prokaryotes are most likely to thrive in anoxic conditions?
• Where can anoxic environments commonly be found?
• How do methanogens contribute to the characteristics of anoxic environments?

Related terms

Anaerobic Respiration:

A form of respiration using electron acceptors other than oxygen.

Fermentation: A metabolic process that produces chemical changes in organic substrates through the action of enzymes.

Methanogen: A type of archaea that produces methane as a metabolic byproduct under anoxic conditions.