Desulfovibrio capillatus

Desulfovibrio capillatus

Desulfovibrio capillatus

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

Taxonomy

Desulfovibrio capillatus was first isolated and described by Smith et al. in 1987. It was classified as a distinct species based on its unique morphological and physiological characteristics. The species name "capillatus" refers to the filamentous nature of the bacterium, which forms long, hair-like structures.

Desulfovibrio capillatus belongs to the phylum Proteobacteria, class Deltaproteobacteria, order Desulfovibrionales, and family Desulfovibrionaceae. It is closely related to other sulfate-reducing bacteria within the same genus, such as Desulfovibrio desulfuricans and Desulfovibrio vulgaris.

Morphology and Physiology

Desulfovibrio capillatus is a rod-shaped bacterium with a length of approximately 2-5 μm and a width of 0.5-0.8 μm. It forms long, filamentous structures that can reach lengths of up to 100 μm. These filaments are composed of individual cells connected end-to-end, giving the bacterium its characteristic appearance.

As an anaerobic bacterium, Desulfovibrio capillatus obtains energy by reducing sulfate to sulfide. It utilizes various organic compounds as carbon sources, including lactate, pyruvate, and formate. The reduction of sulfate is carried out by specific enzymes present in the bacterium's metabolic pathway.

Ecological Significance

Desulfovibrio capillatus plays an important role in the sulfur cycle of natural environments. By reducing sulfate to sulfide, it contributes to the biogeochemical cycling of sulfur, which has implications for nutrient availability and energy flow in ecosystems. Additionally, Desulfovibrio capillatus has been found to be involved in the corrosion of metal structures in marine environments, making it of interest in industrial applications.

See Also

• Desulfovibrio
• Sulfate-reducing bacteria
• Anaerobic bacteria