Purple sulfur bacteria
Purple Sulfur Bacteria
Purple sulfur bacteria (prə-pəl sʌl-fər bæk-tɪərɪə) are a group of Proteobacteria that are photosynthetic in nature. The term "purple sulfur bacteria" is derived from the Latin purpura meaning "purple" and the Greek sulphur meaning "brimstone".
Characteristics
Purple sulfur bacteria are characterized by their purple color, which is due to the presence of bacteriochlorophyll and other pigments in their cells. They are typically found in environments such as hot springs and stagnant water, where they form dense layers or blooms. These bacteria are capable of photosynthesis, but unlike plants, they do not produce oxygen. Instead, they use sulfur compounds, particularly hydrogen sulfide, as electron donors for their photosynthetic process.
Classification
Purple sulfur bacteria belong to the class Gammaproteobacteria, within the phylum Proteobacteria. They are further divided into several families, including the Chromatiaceae and Ectothiorhodospiraceae. Some well-known genera of purple sulfur bacteria include Chromatium, Thiocapsa, and Thiospirillum.
Role in Sulfur Cycle
Purple sulfur bacteria play a significant role in the sulfur cycle, a biogeochemical cycle that involves the transformation of sulfur and its compounds in the environment. They oxidize hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas, into elemental sulfur and sulfate, thereby detoxifying environments with high levels of this gas.
Health Implications
While purple sulfur bacteria are not typically pathogenic, they can contribute to the production of hydrogen sulfide gas in stagnant water bodies, which can be harmful to humans and animals if inhaled in large amounts.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Purple sulfur bacteria
- Wikipedia's article - Purple sulfur bacteria
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