Thiotrichales: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 12:02, 15 February 2025

Overview[edit]

The Thiotrichales are an order of Gammaproteobacteria, a class within the phylum Proteobacteria. This order is known for its members that are often found in sulfur-rich environments, where they play a significant role in the sulfur cycle. The bacteria in this order are typically characterized by their ability to oxidize sulfur compounds, which is a key aspect of their metabolism.

Characteristics[edit]

Thiotrichales are generally large, filamentous bacteria. They are often found in marine environments, particularly in areas with high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide. These bacteria are capable of oxidizing hydrogen sulfide to sulfate, a process that is crucial for the detoxification of sulfide-rich environments.

Morphology[edit]

Members of the Thiotrichales order are typically filamentous and can form large mats in their natural habitats. They are often visible to the naked eye due to their size and the dense mats they form. The cells are usually rod-shaped and can vary in length.

Metabolism[edit]

Thiotrichales are chemolithoautotrophs, meaning they obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules, such as hydrogen sulfide, and use carbon dioxide as a carbon source. This metabolic capability allows them to thrive in environments where organic carbon is limited but inorganic sulfur compounds are abundant.

Ecology[edit]

Thiotrichales are commonly found in marine environments, particularly in hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, and other areas where hydrogen sulfide is present. They play a crucial role in the sulfur cycle by converting toxic hydrogen sulfide into less harmful sulfate, thus supporting the ecosystem by detoxifying the environment and providing a source of sulfate for other organisms.

Genera[edit]

The order Thiotrichales includes several genera, some of which are well-studied due to their ecological importance and unique metabolic capabilities. Notable genera include:

Beggiatoa - Known for forming white mats in sulfur-rich environments.
Thioploca - Forms large, visible mats and is known for its ability to store nitrate.
Thiomargarita - Includes some of the largest known bacteria, visible to the naked eye.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Thiotrichales''' is an order of [[Proteobacteria|proteobacteria]]. The bacteria in this order are characterized by their filamentous shape and are known for their ability to oxidize reduced sulfur compounds, which they use as an energy source. This process is important in the sulfur cycle.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Thiotrichales}}
-== Taxonomy ==
+== Overview ==
+[[File:Sulphide_bacteria_crop.jpg|thumb|right|Thiotrichales bacteria in a natural environment]]
+The '''Thiotrichales''' are an order of [[Gammaproteobacteria]], a class within the phylum [[Proteobacteria]]. This order is known for its members that are often found in sulfur-rich environments, where they play a significant role in the sulfur cycle. The bacteria in this order are typically characterized by their ability to oxidize sulfur compounds, which is a key aspect of their metabolism.
-The order Thiotrichales belongs to the class [[Gammaproteobacteria]], in the phylum [[Proteobacteria]]. It includes the following families:
+== Characteristics ==
+Thiotrichales are generally large, filamentous bacteria. They are often found in marine environments, particularly in areas with high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide. These bacteria are capable of oxidizing hydrogen sulfide to sulfate, a process that is crucial for the detoxification of sulfide-rich environments.
-* [[Thiotrichaceae]]
-* [[Francisellaceae]]
-* [[Piscirickettsiaceae]]
-== Characteristics ==
+=== Morphology ===
+Members of the Thiotrichales order are typically filamentous and can form large mats in their natural habitats. They are often visible to the naked eye due to their size and the dense mats they form. The cells are usually rod-shaped and can vary in length.
-Thiotrichales are [[Gram-negative bacteria|Gram-negative]], rod-shaped, and often form filaments. They are [[chemolithotrophs]], meaning they obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic compounds. In the case of Thiotrichales, the inorganic compound is usually a reduced sulfur compound, such as hydrogen sulfide.
+=== Metabolism ===
+Thiotrichales are chemolithoautotrophs, meaning they obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules, such as hydrogen sulfide, and use carbon dioxide as a carbon source. This metabolic capability allows them to thrive in environments where organic carbon is limited but inorganic sulfur compounds are abundant.
 == Ecology ==
+[[File:Sulphide_bacteria_crop.jpg|thumb|left|Close-up of Thiotrichales in a sulfur-rich environment]]
+Thiotrichales are commonly found in marine environments, particularly in hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, and other areas where hydrogen sulfide is present. They play a crucial role in the sulfur cycle by converting toxic hydrogen sulfide into less harmful sulfate, thus supporting the ecosystem by detoxifying the environment and providing a source of sulfate for other organisms.
-Thiotrichales play a significant role in the sulfur cycle. They oxidize reduced sulfur compounds to sulfate, which can then be used by other organisms. Some species are also found in symbiotic relationships with marine invertebrates, such as clams and tubeworms.
+== Genera ==
+The order Thiotrichales includes several genera, some of which are well-studied due to their ecological importance and unique metabolic capabilities. Notable genera include:
-== Pathogenicity ==
+* ''[[Beggiatoa]]'' - Known for forming white mats in sulfur-rich environments.
+* ''[[Thioploca]]'' - Forms large, visible mats and is known for its ability to store nitrate.
+* ''[[Thiomargarita]]'' - Includes some of the largest known bacteria, visible to the naked eye.
-Some members of the order Thiotrichales are pathogenic. For example, species in the family Piscirickettsiaceae are known to cause disease in fish.
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Proteobacteria]]
-== See also ==
-* [[Sulfur bacteria]]
 * [[Sulfur cycle]]
+* [[Hydrothermal vent]]
+* [[Chemolithoautotroph]]
-== References ==
+[[Category:Gammaproteobacteria]]
+[[Category:Thiotrichales]]
-<references />
-[[Category:Bacteria orders]]
-[[Category:Proteobacteria]]
-{{stub}}