‘Rock-breathing’ bacteria are electron spin doctors, study shows

Phys.org  March 6, 2020
An international team of researchers (Israel, USA – University of Southern California) found that unlike most organisms whcih can use oxygen as the electron acceptor these bacteria transfer the electrons to a solid mineral or electrodes that are outside the cell. In terms of metabolism, they “breathe” the minerals or electrodes. To reach the external surface the electrons are shuttled through various protein molecules that form electrical conduits. These proteins have magnetic fields that can favor a particular spin as the electrons shuttle through. The magnetic fields are affected by chirality. The study has implications for understanding how spin-dependent interactions and magnetic fields may control electron transport across biotic–abiotic interfaces in both natural and biotechnological systems…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE 

Abstract. Credit J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, 141, 49, 19198-19202, November 8, 2019