Thermodesulfobacterium hydrogeniphilum
Classification
Bacteria, Thermodesulfobacteria, Thermodesulfobacteria, Thermodesulfobacteriales, Thermodesulfobacteriaceae, Thermodesulfobacterium, T. Hydrogeniphilium
Species
Thermodesulfobacterium hydrogeniphilum
Description and Significance
Thermodesulfobacterium hydrogeniphilum is a gram-negative thermophile that is highly involved in the process of hydrogen oxidation in extreme environments (hydrogen-dependent biogeochemical processes). It also has a very large sulfate reduction contribution which helps out the in sulfate cycling, a key process in its native habitat. Without this process many of the organisms in the area would be without a primary food source as nutrients are so scarce at such great depth and pressure.
Genome Structure
Thermodesulfobacterium hydrogeniphilum only has a singular circular chromosome. It typically doesn't get larger than that in this species. However other closely related species can vary significantly.
Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle
Thermodesulfobacterium hydrogeniphilum is a typically curved or vibrio shape. It is gram-negative and possesses a single polar flagellum. The cells themselves are relatively small, only occurring singly or in pairs. It typical growth range occurs between 50 and 70 degrees Celsius. It is non-spore forming.
Ecology and Pathogenesis
Although Thermodesulfobacterium hydrogeniphilum is typically observed to be an aquatic species, there has not been any major research dedicated to possibly locate it elsewhere. These current known habitats typically include volcanic hot springs, deep-sea hydrothermal sulfides, and other marine environments.
References
Author
Page authored by Sara Dominguez-Tapia, Ty Goller, Christian Nicholson, & Juliana Paris, students of Prof. Bradley Tolar at UNC Wilmington.
