Thermodesulfobacteriaceae

Thermodesulfobium is a genus of thermophilic, anaerobic, chemolithoautotrophic bacteria. These bacteria are characterized by their ability to oxidize reduced sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), to produce energy. They are typically found in extreme environments, such as hot springs, geothermal areas, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents, where temperatures can exceed 80 degrees Celsius. Thermodesulfobium species are important in the biogeochemical cycling of sulfur and are often used in biotechnology for the bioremediation of sulfur-contaminated sites. The genus was first described in 1986 and currently includes several species, with the type species being Thermodesulfobium commune. The bacteria are rod-shaped and motile, with a cell diameter of approximately 0.5 to 0.8 micrometers and a length of 1 to 3 micrometers. They are Gram-negative and have a single polar flagellum, which allows them to move through their liquid environment. The metabolism of Thermodesulfobium species is unique, as they use the energy from the oxidation of sulfur compounds to fix carbon dioxide, a process known as chemolithoautotrophy. This makes them an important component of the microbial communities in extreme environments.