Thiothrix nivea

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A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Thiothrix nivea

Classification

Higher order taxa

Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Gammaproteobacteria; Thiotrichales; Thiotrichaceae; Thiothrix ²

Species

Thiothrix nivea

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

Ecology

T. nivea has been found to thrive within an optimal pH of 7.5 and temperatures ranging from 25-30 &deg C. ¹ Cells have been found to withstand temperatures of minimally 6-8 deg C and maximally 32-34 &deg C.²

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