Thiopseudomonas denitrificans
Thiobacillus denitrificans: A Versatile Bacterium with Diverse Roles
Description:
Thiobacillus denitrificans is a Gram-negative, motile bacterium with a rod-shaped morphology. It is an obligate chemolithoautotroph, meaning it obtains energy from the oxidation of reduced inorganic compounds and fixes carbon dioxide for growth. T. denitrificans is unique in its ability to use various sulfur compounds, including elemental sulfur, sulfide, and thiosulfate, as electron donors. Additionally, it can use nitrate or nitrite as electron acceptors, making it a denitrifying bacterium.
Associated Diseases:
Thiobacillus denitrificans has not been directly linked to any human diseases. However, it has been implicated in the biodeterioration of concrete and other construction materials. The bacterium‘s production of sulfuric acid can cause the corrosion of steel reinforcements in concrete, leading to structural damage.
Did you Know ?
T. denitrificans is highly resistant to toxic metals and other contaminants. It can tolerate concentrations of heavy metals that are typically lethal to other bacteria. This makes it a potential candidate for bioremediation applications, where it could be used to detoxify contaminated environments.
