During anaerobic degradation energy can be gained via so-called alternative electron acceptors and,
if those acceptors are lacking, via fermentation. Microbial degradation and subsequent processing of
organic matter under anaerobic conditions is governed by the interdependence of a cascade-like,
microbially driven consortium. In anaerobic biotechnology, engineered systems are designed for
various applications including energy and (platform) chemical production as well as resourcerecycling
processes. For this purpose, natural cycles are adjusted to the respective requirements of
the engaged microorganisms that perform individual degradation steps in a controlled environment.
Although these systems are usually well-functioning, detailed knowledge about the microbially
driven processes and their interactions is still scarce and reflects the difficulty of studying the
potential of the involved microorganisms. The underlying natural processes, however, harbor
significant future potential for discovering new microbial species. Consequently, a proliferation of
information regarding the role of microbial species living under anaerobic conditions in more detail is
worthwhile. Furthermore, the identification, cultivation, and preservation of yet undescribed species and their genetic potentials should increasingly attract scientific attention