Green sulfur bacteria

Green sulfur bacteria are a group of bacteria that use sulfur compounds as electron donors in photosynthesis, a process that is unique to this group of bacteria. They are found in environments where light is available but oxygen is absent, such as in deep lakes and marine sediments.

Characteristics

Green sulfur bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they do not require oxygen to live. They are also phototrophic, meaning they use light as their primary energy source. They are capable of using reduced sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, as electron donors in photosynthesis. This is in contrast to most other photosynthetic organisms, which use water as their electron donor.

Classification

Green sulfur bacteria belong to the phylum Chlorobi, which is part of the domain Bacteria. The phylum Chlorobi includes four genera: Chlorobium, Pelodictyon, Chloroherpeton, and Prosthecochloris.

Ecology

Green sulfur bacteria are found in a variety of environments where light is available but oxygen is absent. These include deep lakes, marine sediments, and hot springs. They form part of the microbial mat communities that are found in these environments.

Metabolism

The metabolism of green sulfur bacteria is unique among photosynthetic organisms. They use light energy to drive the transfer of electrons from reduced sulfur compounds to carbon dioxide, producing organic compounds. This process is known as anoxygenic photosynthesis, as it does not produce oxygen as a byproduct.

Importance

Green sulfur bacteria play an important role in the sulfur cycle, as they are able to convert sulfur compounds from a reduced state to a more oxidized state. This can have significant impacts on the chemistry of the environments in which they live.

See also

• Purple sulfur bacteria
• Photosynthesis
• Sulfur cycle

References

Green sulfur bacteria Resources
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