Desulfovibrio brasiliensis

Desulfovibrio brasiliensis is a species of bacteria that belongs to the Desulfovibrio genus. It is a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium that is commonly found in various environments, including marine sediments, freshwater habitats, and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals.

Taxonomy

Desulfovibrio brasiliensis was first isolated and described by Miranda et al. in 1999. It was named after its discovery in Brazil, where it was found in the sediments of the Guanabara Bay. The bacterium is classified under the domain Bacteria, phylum Proteobacteria, class Deltaproteobacteria, order Desulfovibrionales, family Desulfovibrionaceae, and genus Desulfovibrio.

Morphology and Physiology

Desulfovibrio brasiliensis is a rod-shaped bacterium that typically measures around 0.5 to 1.0 micrometers in width and 2.0 to 5.0 micrometers in length. It is motile, possessing a single polar flagellum that enables it to move in liquid environments. The bacterium is capable of reducing sulfate to sulfide, utilizing it as an electron acceptor during anaerobic respiration. This metabolic process is known as dissimilatory sulfate reduction.

Ecological Significance

Desulfovibrio brasiliensis plays a crucial role in the sulfur cycle of various ecosystems. It is involved in the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter, where it utilizes sulfate as a terminal electron acceptor. This process contributes to the release of sulfide into the environment, which can have significant impacts on the geochemical cycling of sulfur and other elements.

Importance in Biotechnology

Desulfovibrio brasiliensis has gained attention in the field of biotechnology due to its ability to produce hydrogen gas through the process of sulfate reduction. Hydrogen gas is considered a clean and renewable energy source, making the bacterium a potential candidate for biohydrogen production. Researchers are exploring ways to optimize the growth conditions and metabolic pathways of Desulfovibrio brasiliensis to enhance its hydrogen production capabilities.

See Also

• Sulfate-reducing bacteria
• Biohydrogen production
• Hydrogen gas