Caldisphaeraceae

Caldisphaeraceae is a family of bacteria in the order Desulfurococcales. The family consists of thermophilic, anaerobic, and sulfur-reducing bacteria. The family currently includes one genus, Caldisphaera, which was first described in 2001.

Characteristics

Members of the Caldisphaeraceae family are thermophilic, meaning they thrive in high-temperature environments. They are also anaerobic, which means they can survive and grow in environments without oxygen. Additionally, they are sulfur-reducing bacteria, utilizing sulfur as an electron acceptor in their metabolic processes.

The only genus in this family, Caldisphaera, is characterized by its spherical cells and its ability to reduce elemental sulfur to hydrogen sulfide. The type species of this genus, Caldisphaera lagunensis, was isolated from a hot spring in Italy.

Habitat and Distribution

Caldisphaeraceae bacteria are typically found in high-temperature environments such as hot springs and hydrothermal vents. The type species, Caldisphaera lagunensis, was discovered in a hot spring in Italy, but similar species may be found in similar environments around the world.

Importance

The ability of Caldisphaeraceae bacteria to thrive in extreme environments and their unique metabolic processes make them of interest in the fields of microbiology, biochemistry, and astrobiology. Their sulfur-reducing capabilities may also have potential applications in bioremediation and bioenergy production.

See Also

• Desulfurococcales
• Thermophile
• Anaerobic bacteria
• Sulfur-reducing bacteria