[2] Even among other Methanosarcinales, which commonly utilize a broad range of substrates, the ability to grow on H2 and CO2 is rare due to the requirement for high H2 partial pressure.

[8][9][10] The type strain of the species designated as MS (DSM 800, JCM 10043, ATCC 43569) was isolated from the sewage digester.

[11] It was designated as neotype of the species because the original type strain of M. barkeri described in the PhD thesis of Schnellen in 1947 was lost.

[13] As other Methanosarcina species, M. barkeri can also be found in marine and freshwater sediments, sewage, soil, and landfills.

[16] M. barkeri's chromosome is large and circular, derived from its remarkable ability to metabolize a variety of different carbon molecules.

[16] Methanosarcina barkeri's unique nature as an anaerobic methanogen that ferments many carbon sources can have many implications for future biotechnology and environmental studies.