Desulfuromonadaceae

Desulfuromonadaceae is a family of bacteria belonging to the phylum Thermodesulfobacteria. Members of this family are typically anaerobic and are found in various environments, including marine sediments, hydrothermal vents, and oil reservoirs. They are known for their ability to reduce sulfur compounds, often utilizing elemental sulfur or thiosulfate as electron acceptors. Some species are also capable of dissimilatory iron reduction, playing a role in the biogeochemical cycling of both sulfur and iron.

The Desulfuromonadaceae family includes genera such as Desulfuromonas and Geothermobacter. Desulfuromonas species are often characterized by their distinctive morphology, appearing as spindle-shaped cells. They are generally mesophilic or thermophilic, thriving in moderate to high temperatures. Geothermobacter, as its name suggests, is typically found in high-temperature environments and has been isolated from deep subsurface oil reservoirs. The metabolic versatility of Desulfuromonadaceae, particularly their involvement in redox reactions of sulfur and iron, makes them significant contributors to microbial ecosystems in anaerobic settings. Research into this family continues to explore their ecological roles and potential biotechnological applications, such as in bioremediation or bioenergy production.