Thiothrix nivea
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Thiothrix nivea
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Gammaproteobacteria; Thiotrichales; Thiotrichaceae; Thiothrix
Species
Thiothrix nivea
Description and significance
Genome structure
Cell and colony structure
Thiothrix nivea is a 1-1.5 <&mu>m rod-shaped gram negative bacteria. When in the presence of sulfate or thiosulfate sulfur granules are deposited, external to the cytoplasm, in invaginations of the cytoplasmic membrane. Each cell has a tuft of fimbriae which anchors it to the cell beside it. Cells do not exhibit flagella.3
Cells grow and divide in a gliding motion enclosed within sheaths producing filamentous structures. When cells are clumped together, their division produces rosettes.3
Metabolism
Ecology
T. nivea has been found to thrive within an optimal pH of 7.5 and temperatures ranging from 25-30 ° C. 1
Pathology
References
1) Rossetti, Simona, Linda Blackall, et al. (2003) "Phylogenetic and physiological characterization of a heterotrophic, chemolithoautotrophic Thiothrix strain isolated from activated sludge." International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. Journal. DOI 10.1099/ijs.0.02647-0
2) Gerrity, George. (2005) Bergey's Manual of Sytematic Bacteriology: Volume 2 - The Proteobacteria Part B The Gammaproteobacteria. 2nd Ed. Volume 2. New York: Springer. pp 134-141. Ebook
3)Larkin, John, and Dean Sinabarger. (1983) "Characterization of Thiothrix nivea." International Journal ofSystematic Bacteriology. Volume 33. Issue 4. : pp 841-846. Journal
Edited by Brittany N King, student of Dr. Lisa R. Moore, University of Southern Maine, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Maine Biology Department Website