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. 1984 Mar;47(3):576–584. doi: 10.1128/aem.47.3.576-584.1984

Physiological Ecology of a Gliding Bacterium Containing Bacteriochlorophyll a

Beverly K Pierson 2,*, Stephen J Giovannoni 2, Richard W Castenholz 2
PMCID: PMC239723  PMID: 16346496

Abstract

A filamentous, gliding, thermophilic bacterium, found growing abundantly as a surface mat in a limited number of alkaline hot springs in Oregon, is described and designated F-1. The bacteria were studied in the field and in coculture with an aerobic chemoheterotroph. The bacteria are phototrophic and contain bacteriochlorophyll a and several carotenoid pigments. Unlike the other gliding phototrophic bacteria, members of the family Chloroflexaceae, F-1 does not contain chlorosomes or bacteriochlorophyll c or d. The light-dependent uptake of simple organic compounds (acetate and glucose) was demonstrated in field populations. Near-infrared radiation sustained this uptake, which occurred equally well under aerobic or anaerobic conditions and was insensitive to 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea. The bacteria formed conspicuous dominant mats from about 35 to 56°C, and they covered mats of cyanobacteria in the spring, summer, and autumn months. It appears that they depend on high light intensities to maintain a dense population.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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