Abstract
From marine mud flats a new type of photosynthetic purple bacterium was isolated. This type is described as a new species of the Rhodospirillaceae and is named Rhodopseudomonas sulfidophila. The cells are rod-shaped, 0.6 to 0.9 μ wide and 0.9 to 2.0 μ long, and motile by means of polar flagella. Cell division occurs by binary fission. The photosynthetic membrane system is of the vesicular type. The pigments consist of bacteriochlorophyll a and of carotenoids, most probably of the spheroidene group. A wide range of organic compounds can be utilized anaerobically in the light. Growth on organic compounds aerobically in the dark is also possible. Niacin, thiamin, biotin and p-aminobenzoic acid are required as growth factors. The new species needs 2.5% (w/v) sodium chloride for optimal growth. All strains show excellent photolithotrophic growth on hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, and thiosulfate. They show a remarkably high sulfide tolerance. Sulfide and thiosulfate are oxidized to sulfate without an intermediate accumulation of elemental sulfur. The new species seems to be one of the most versatile types of photosynthetic bacteria isolated thus far.
Published Version
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