Bacterial biosilicification: a new insight into the global silicon cycle. Issue 6 (20th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ikeda, Takeshi
• Is Part Of: Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry. Volume 85:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 1324
• Page End: 1331
• Publication Date: 2021-04-20
• Subjects: biomineralization -- biosilicification -- silica -- silicic acid -- silicon cycle; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbab069
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0916-8451

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Biosilicification is the process by which organisms incorporate soluble, monomeric silicic acid, Si(OH)4, in the form of polymerized insoluble silica, SiO2 . Biosilicifying eukaryotes, including diatoms, siliceous sponges, and higher plants, have been the targets of intense research to study the molecular mechanisms underlying biosilicification. By contrast, prokaryotic biosilicification has been less well studied, partly because the biosilicifying capability of well-known bacteria was not recognized until recently. This review summarizes recent findings on bacterial extracellular and intracellular biosilicification, the latter of which has been demonstrated only recently in bacteria. The topics discussed herein include bacterial (and archaeal) extracellular biosilicification in geothermal environments, encapsulation of Bacillus spores within a silica layer, and silicon accumulation in marine cyanobacteria. The possible contribution of bacterial biosilicification to the global silicon cycle is also discussed. Graphical Abstract: