Desulfobacterales

Desulfobacterales is an order of bacteria that belongs to the class Deltaproteobacteria. These bacteria are known for their ability to reduce sulfate to hydrogen sulfide, a process known as sulfate reduction. This process is an important part of the sulfur cycle, a biogeochemical cycle that plays a crucial role in maintaining the Earth's ecosystem.

Characteristics

Members of the Desulfobacterales order are anaerobic, meaning they thrive in environments that lack oxygen. They are also chemoautotrophic, deriving energy from chemical reactions and using carbon dioxide as their primary carbon source.

The Desulfobacterales are characterized by their unique ability to reduce sulfate to hydrogen sulfide. This process, known as dissimilatory sulfate reduction, is a type of anaerobic respiration that allows these bacteria to generate energy in the absence of oxygen.

Ecology

Desulfobacterales are found in a variety of environments, including soil, sediment, and marine environments. They play a crucial role in the sulfur cycle, helping to convert sulfate back into a form that can be used by other organisms.

In addition to their role in the sulfur cycle, Desulfobacterales also contribute to the carbon cycle. By using carbon dioxide as their primary carbon source, these bacteria help to remove this greenhouse gas from the atmosphere.

Importance in Medicine

While Desulfobacterales are not typically associated with human disease, they have been studied for their potential use in bioremediation, a process that uses organisms to remove or neutralize pollutants from a contaminated site.

See Also

• Sulfur cycle
• Deltaproteobacteria
• Anaerobic respiration
• Bioremediation