July 01, 2025
Scientists at Rice University, USA, have found bacteria that produce electricity through a unique process. These organisms employ extracellular respiration, a process in which they push electrons out of their cells with the help of natural molecules known as naphthoquinones. The mechanism operates similarly to how batteries release energy. It allows the bacteria to survive without requiring oxygen. This discovery gives scientists insights into how some bacteria live in oxygen-deficient conditions. It could be used to drive innovations in space research and medicine.
DID YOU KNOW?
A Dutch scientist named Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was the first person to observe bacteria.
Image for representational purposes
