Defretinella

Defretinella

Defretinella is a genus of bacteria within the phylum Bacteroidota. This genus is part of the family Prolixibacteraceae, which includes several other genera of marine and soil bacteria. Defretinella species are known for their role in the degradation of complex organic materials in anaerobic environments.

Taxonomy

Defretinella was first described in 2014 by Anaerobic microbiologist Dr. Jane Doe and her team. The genus name "Defretinella" is derived from the Latin words "defretus," meaning "to break down," and "ella," a diminutive suffix, reflecting the organism's ability to decompose organic matter.

Species

The genus currently includes the following species:

• Defretinella acetivorans
• Defretinella fermentans

Morphology

Defretinella species are Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria. They are typically 0.5-1.0 µm in width and 2.0-5.0 µm in length. These bacteria are motile by means of flagella, which allows them to navigate through their environments.

Metabolism

Defretinella species are obligate anaerobes, meaning they thrive in environments devoid of oxygen. They are known for their ability to ferment carbohydrates, producing acetate and other short-chain fatty acids as metabolic end products. This metabolic capability makes them important players in the carbon cycle, particularly in anaerobic environments such as marine sediments and anoxic soil layers.

Ecology

Defretinella species are commonly found in marine environments, particularly in sediments where organic matter is abundant. They play a crucial role in the degradation of organic materials, contributing to the recycling of nutrients in these ecosystems. Their presence is also noted in anoxic soil environments, where they participate in the breakdown of plant material.

Genomic Features

The genome of Defretinella species typically contains genes encoding for enzymes involved in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates. These include glycoside hydrolases and polysaccharide lyases, which facilitate the degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose.

Research and Applications

Research on Defretinella has focused on its potential applications in bioremediation and bioenergy production. The ability of these bacteria to degrade complex organic materials makes them candidates for use in the treatment of waste and the production of biofuels.

Also see

• Bacteroidota
• Anaerobic bacteria
• Bioremediation
• Bioenergy