Acidithiobacillus caldus
Classification
Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Acidithiobacillia; Acidithiobacillales; Acidithiobacillaceae
Genus Species
Acidithiobacillus; A. caldus
Description and Significance
A. caldus is a short, rod-shaped bacterium that moves using a single flagellum. It is gram-negative and can often be found in pairs. A. caldus typically lives within rocks found in a coal mine, and it is one of the most common microbes involved in biomining. A. caldus oxidizes reduced inorganic sulfur compounds and elemental sulfur to create the acidity needed for biomining to occur.
Genome
The genomic sequence of A. caldus has a length of 2,932,335 base pairs and is rich in GC. Strain KU has a GC content of 63.1-63.9%, while strain BC13 has a GC content of 61.7%. DNA hybridization studies have shown that the two strains exhibit 100% homology with one another, yet showed between 2-20% DNA hybridization with other species in the genus. A. caldus strains have been differentiated from other acidithiobacilli using PCR amplification to analyze the sequences of the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer and restriction fragment length polymorphism.
Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle
Interesting features of the microbe's cell structure and metabolism. Does it make interesting or important molecules? What is it's life cycle like?
Ecology and Known Roles in Symbiosis
In what habitat(s) do you find this microbe? What roles (if known) does this microbe play in symbiosis with other organisms? What role or contribution does this microbe contribute to the environment.
Fun Facts
List interesting facts about this microbe that would appeal to a general audience. Does the microbe play an important role in a process relevant to society?
References
Author
This page was authored by _____ as part of the 2020 UM Study USA led by Dr. Erik Hom at the University of Mississippi.
