Scientists Discover Bacteria that Conduct Electricity Like Metal Wires Some MCQ Model

Scientists Discover Bacteria that Conduct Electricity Like Metal Wires And Some MCQ Model

🧪 Discovery:
Scientists have identified special bacteria — such as Geobacter sulfurreducens — that can conduct electricity through tiny structures called nanowires. These nanowires are protein filaments that act like biological wires, transferring electrons over long distances.

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🔍 Key Facts:

• Bacteria name: Geobacter species

• Found in: Mud, soil, and sediment (especially near rivers or lakes)

• Nanowires: Hair-like appendages (pili) on the bacteria’s surface that carry electrons

• Conduction ability: Comparable to metal wires in some cases

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⚙️ How They Work:

These bacteria "breathe" metal the way we breathe oxygen. When they break down organic material in the absence of oxygen, they transfer excess electrons to metal minerals like iron — or through nanowires to distant sources.

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🧠 Why It’s Important:

• Could lead to bio-batteries and living electrical circuits

• Opens possibilities for clean energy, wastewater treatment, and environmental cleanup

• May transform how we think about life and energy on Earth — and possibly even on other planets

Some MCQ Model

⚡ MCQ: Electricity-Conducting Bacteria

Q1: What makes certain bacteria like Geobacter sulfurreducens capable of conducting electricity?

A) Their metallic cell walls
B) Presence of chlorophyll
C) Nanowires made of protein
D) High salt content in their bodies

✅ Correct Answer: C) Nanowires made of protein

Explanation:
These bacteria produce special protein structures called nanowires that can transport electrons, allowing them to conduct electricity like metal wires.

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Q2: In what kind of environment are these electricity-conducting bacteria typically found?

A) Volcanoes
B) River mud and sediments
C) Mountain peaks
D) Arctic ice

✅ Correct Answer: B) River mud and sediments

Explanation:
Geobacter species are commonly found in oxygen-poor environments like mud and sediment, where they "breathe" metals instead of oxygen.

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Q3: What is a possible future application of bacteria that can conduct electricity?

A) Flavor enhancement in food
B) Noise reduction in cities
C) Living batteries and bio-electronics
D) Plant growth acceleration

✅ Correct Answer: C) Living batteries and bio-electronics

Explanation:
Scientists are exploring these bacteria for use in bio-batteries, microbial fuel cells, and environmental clean-up due to their unique electron-transporting abilities.

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Q4: What are bacterial nanowires made of?

A) Glass fibers
B) DNA strands
C) Protein filaments
D) Magnetic particles

✅ Correct Answer: C) Protein filaments

Explanation:
The nanowires are composed of specialized protein structures that act like electrical conductors.