What a microbe can do

Microbes are found pretty much everywhere, sometimes they grow as single cells but most of the times they form communities. Microbes are also known to communicate and interact with one other (http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmi...) and with other organisms by secreting molecules. Some of these molecules are called enzymes and they act as catalysts for the production of other compounds. Enzymes are also important for the decomposition of environmental contaminants (Bioremediation), and to protect plants from pathogens. (Bacterial Chitinases). Another important group of microbes is called Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria, and what they do is stimulating plant health and soil fertility (PGPR).

Soil microbes are a great resource, and with this study we want to find some microbes that can really improve agriculture.

Oxidase test. One way to study microbes is by looking at the kind of enzymes they secrete. Oxidase enzymes are involved in many ecological cycles such as the decomposition of organic matter, which very important for soils fertility; the picture below shows a bacteria able to produce and secrete oxidase enzymes (the positive reaction is shown in purple-blue).