Nitrosopumilaceae

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Nitrosopumilaceae is a family of archaea within the phylum Thaumarchaeota. Members of this family are known for their role in the nitrogen cycle, particularly in the process of ammonia oxidation. This family includes several genera, with Nitrosopumilus being one of the most studied.

Characteristics

Nitrosopumilaceae are chemolithoautotrophic organisms, meaning they obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules, such as ammonia, and use carbon dioxide as a carbon source. They are typically found in marine environments, where they play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting ammonia into nitrite, a process known as nitrification.

Ecology

Members of the Nitrosopumilaceae family are widely distributed in the ocean, from surface waters to deep-sea environments. They are particularly abundant in oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) waters, where they contribute significantly to the nitrogen cycle. Their ability to oxidize ammonia at low concentrations makes them key players in maintaining the balance of nitrogen in marine ecosystems.

Genomics

The genomes of Nitrosopumilaceae members are relatively small compared to other archaea, typically ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 million base pairs. They possess genes encoding for the ammonia monooxygenase enzyme, which is essential for the oxidation of ammonia. Additionally, their genomes contain genes for carbon fixation pathways, allowing them to convert inorganic carbon into organic matter.

Importance in Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrosopumilaceae are integral to the global nitrogen cycle. By oxidizing ammonia to nitrite, they provide a substrate for other microorganisms, such as Nitrobacter, which further oxidize nitrite to nitrate. This process is essential for the removal of excess ammonia from marine environments, preventing toxic accumulation and supporting the growth of various marine organisms.

Related Pages

• Archaea
• Thaumarchaeota
• Nitrogen cycle
• Nitrification
• Ammonia oxidation
• Nitrosopumilus
• Nitrobacter