Thiophilales

Thiophilales is an order of bacteria within the class Gammaproteobacteria. This order is characterized by its ability to utilize thiophene, a heterocyclic organic compound, as a sole source of carbon and energy. Thiophene is a five-membered aromatic ring with a sulfur atom in place of one of the carbon atoms. The order includes several genera, with Thiophilus being the type genus. Members of Thiophilales are typically found in environments rich in sulfur compounds, such as oil fields, coal mines, and hot springs. They play a role in the biodegradation of thiophene-containing compounds, contributing to the carbon and sulfur cycles in these ecosystems. The order is further divided into families, including Thiophilaceae, Thiovulumaceae, and Thiomicrospiraceae, each containing genera with distinct morphological and physiological characteristics. The study of Thiophilales is important for understanding the microbial processes involved in the transformation of sulfur compounds in various environments.