Acidithiobacillales
Acidithiobacillales form an order within the Gammaproteobacteria. The order consists of two families, each with one genus. Previously, the species contained herein were in those forming part of the Beta -proteobacteria genus Thiobacillus. As with all orders of the tribe Proteobacteria are Gram -negative bacteria.
Features
The individual species are rod-shaped and can move by means of flagella. They are obligate aerobic and chemoautotroph. The energy is carried out via the oxidation of various sulfur compounds, for example Thiosulfate, and sulfide polythionate. The type Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans can also gain energy by the oxidation of ferrous ions.
Acidithiobacillus is acidophilic, the bacteria living in environments with extremely low pH values . Also Thermithiobacillus still able to live in environments with pH values of up to 5.2. Thermithiobacillus is thermophilic, the best growth occurs at temperatures around 43-45 ° C.
System
The Acidithiobacillales contain the following families and genera:
- Acidithiobacillaceae Garrity et al. 2005 Acidithiobacillus Kelly and Wood 2000
- Thermithiobacillus Kelly and Wood 2000