Step 1: Concept Overview:
Culturing obligate anaerobes necessitates an oxygen-free environment. The GasPak system, a common laboratory technique, establishes this anaerobic atmosphere within a sealed container via a chemical reaction that eliminates oxygen.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The GasPak system utilizes a disposable gas-generating sachet. Upon water addition, the sachet releases hydrogen (H\(_2\)) and carbon dioxide (CO\(_2\)).
The hydrogen gas then reacts with the oxygen (O\(_2\)) inside the sealed jar.
This reaction (2H\(_2\) + O\(_2\) \(\rightarrow\) 2H\(_2\)O) requires a catalyst, as it doesn't occur spontaneously at room temperature.
A wire mesh basket, typically on the jar lid, holds the palladium pellet catalyst.
Palladium catalyzes the combination of hydrogen and oxygen, producing water and eliminating free oxygen from the jar, thereby creating anaerobic conditions.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Palladium is the catalyst used in the GasPak system to enable oxygen removal.