Rock-making bacteria: manganese oxidation and biomineralization in pseudomonads.

Pseudomonas bacteria commonly oxidize manganese enzymatically, producing extracellular Mn oxides linked with extracellular polymeric substances, with most insights from Pseudomonas putida GB-1.

• Why it matters: Understanding Mn oxidation in pseudomonads is important because its mechanisms and functions remain largely unknown, limiting knowledge of their ecological roles and potential applications.
• What they did: The review synthesizes current genetic, biochemical, and physiological data, focusing on Mn oxidation mechanisms in Pseudomonas putida GB-1 and other pseudomonads, supported by phylogenetic analysis of the genus.
• The result: Findings highlight key knowledge gaps about the mechanisms and ecological functions of Mn oxidation, paving the way for future research into its biological significance and potential biotechnological uses.