Halorhodospira halophila

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Halorhodospira halophila

Classification

Higher order taxa

Superkingdom: Bacteria; Phylum: Proteobacteria; Class: Gammaproteobacteria; Order: Chromatiales; Family: Ectothiorhodospiraceae; Genus: Halorhodospira; Species: Halorhodospira Halophila

NCBI

Species

NCBI: Taxonomy

Halorhodospira Halophila

Strain

Halorhodospira Halophila S1

Description and significance

Halorhodospira (formely Ectothiorhodospira) halophila (strain DSM244 / SL1) is an extremely halophilic purple phototrophic Gram-negative bacterium phylogenetically associated with the gamma subdivision of the Proteobacteria. This is one of the most halophilic eubacteria known. It produces organic solutes such as glycine betaine, ectoine, and trehalose to balance the osmotic pressure. This organism oxidizes sulfide to sulfur, which is deposited outside the cell and further oxidized to sulfate.

Genome structure

The gene sequence of Halorhodospira Halophila S1, the only listed organism of the species has been fully determined. Genome sequencing of Halorhodospira Halophila S1 was completed in January 2007 by the Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute. The genome is 2,678,452 nucleotides long (1,339,226 base pairs) and is made up of circular DNA. There are 2493 genes, 2407 which are protein coding, as well as 55 structural RNAs. There is no current information on plasmids related to this species.

Cell structure and metabolism

Halorhodospira Halophila is known as a "purple sulfur bacterium", whose structure consists of two membranes as well as the presence of flagella. It generates hydrogen gas during photoautotrophic growth as a byproduct of a nitrogenase reaction.

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Application to Biotechnology

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

Current Research

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References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Edited by student Kent Lee of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano