Chlorobiota
An overview of the phylum Chlorobiota, also known as green sulfur bacteria.
Chlorobiota, also known as green sulfur bacteria, is a phylum of obligate anaerobic photoautotrophic bacteria. These bacteria are known for their ability to perform photosynthesis using bacteriochlorophylls and are typically found in anoxic aquatic environments where light is available.
Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Chlorobiota are characterized by their unique photosynthetic apparatus, which includes chlorosomes, the most efficient light-harvesting complexes known. These bacteria utilize a type of photosynthesis that does not produce oxygen, known as anoxygenic photosynthesis. Instead of water, they use hydrogen sulfide, thiosulfate, or other reduced sulfur compounds as electron donors, producing sulfur or sulfate as byproducts.
The cells of Chlorobiota are typically rod-shaped or spherical and are often found in symbiotic relationships with other microorganisms, such as those in the consortium with Chloroflexi.
Ecology[edit | edit source]
Chlorobiota are commonly found in stratified water bodies, such as lakes and marine environments, where they inhabit the anoxic layers below the surface. They play a crucial role in the sulfur cycle by oxidizing sulfide to sulfate, thus contributing to the detoxification of sulfide-rich environments.
Taxonomy[edit | edit source]
The phylum Chlorobiota includes several genera, such as Chlorobium, Prosthecochloris, and Pelodictyon. These genera are further divided into species based on their morphological and genetic characteristics.
Photosynthetic Mechanism[edit | edit source]
Chlorobiota possess a unique photosynthetic mechanism that involves the use of bacteriochlorophyll c, d, or e, which are located in chlorosomes. These chlorosomes are attached to the cytoplasmic membrane and allow the bacteria to capture light efficiently even in low-light conditions.
Genomic Insights[edit | edit source]
The genomes of Chlorobiota species have been sequenced, revealing insights into their metabolic pathways and evolutionary history. These studies have shown that Chlorobiota have a streamlined genome with a high degree of specialization for their ecological niche.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
