Desulfobacteraceae

Desulfobacteraceae is a family of bacteria that belongs to the order Desulfobacterales. These bacteria are known for their ability to reduce sulfate to sulfide, a process known as sulfate reduction. They are typically found in environments where organic matter is decomposing under anaerobic conditions, such as in sediments, soils, and the digestive tracts of animals.

Characteristics

Members of the Desulfobacteraceae family are Gram-negative bacteria, meaning they do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram stain procedure. They are typically rod-shaped or spherical, and they are motile, often using flagella for movement.

These bacteria are chemoorganotrophs, meaning they obtain energy by oxidizing organic compounds. They are also anaerobes, meaning they can survive in environments that lack oxygen. The primary metabolic process used by these bacteria is sulfate reduction, in which sulfate is reduced to sulfide. This process is important in the carbon cycle, as it helps to decompose organic matter.

Ecology

Desulfobacteraceae bacteria are found in a variety of environments, including marine and freshwater sediments, soils, and the digestive tracts of animals. They play a key role in the sulfur cycle, as they are responsible for the reduction of sulfate to sulfide. This process is important for the decomposition of organic matter, and it also contributes to the formation of hydrogen sulfide, a gas with a characteristic rotten egg smell.

Genera

The Desulfobacteraceae family includes several genera, such as Desulfobacter, Desulfobulbus, and Desulfococcus. Each of these genera includes multiple species, all of which are capable of sulfate reduction.

See also

• Sulfate-reducing bacteria
• Anaerobic digestion
• Sulfur cycle