Desulfosporomusa

Desulfosporomusa

Desulfosporomusa bacteria

Desulfosporomusa is a genus of bacteria that belongs to the family Desulfosporomaceae within the order Desulfobacterales. These bacteria are known for their ability to perform anaerobic respiration using sulfate as an electron acceptor. They are commonly found in various aquatic environments, including freshwater and marine sediments.

Taxonomy

Desulfosporomusa was first described in 1999 by Inagaki et al. The genus name is derived from the Latin words "desulfuricans" (meaning "sulfate-reducing") and "sporos" (meaning "seed" or "spore"), referring to the ability of these bacteria to reduce sulfate and form spores. The type species of this genus is Desulfosporomusa polytropa.

Morphology and Physiology

Desulfosporomusa bacteria are Gram-negative, non-motile, and rod-shaped. They are obligate anaerobes, meaning they cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. These bacteria obtain energy by oxidizing organic compounds, such as fatty acids and alcohols, using sulfate as a terminal electron acceptor. This process, known as sulfate reduction, produces hydrogen sulfide as a byproduct.

Ecological Significance

Desulfosporomusa bacteria play a crucial role in the sulfur cycle of aquatic ecosystems. By reducing sulfate, they contribute to the biogeochemical cycling of sulfur, which is an essential element for life. Additionally, their ability to degrade organic compounds helps in the decomposition of organic matter in sediments, influencing nutrient cycling and overall ecosystem functioning.

Importance in Bioremediation

Due to their ability to degrade organic pollutants under anaerobic conditions, Desulfosporomusa bacteria have gained attention in the field of bioremediation. They can effectively remove contaminants, such as aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated compounds, from contaminated environments. This makes them potential candidates for the development of bioremediation strategies to clean up polluted sites.

See Also

• Sulfate-reducing bacteria
• Bioremediation
• Anaerobic respiration