Desulfovibrio

Definition

Desulfovibrio is a genus of sulfate-reducing bacteria that are known for their ability to reduce sulfate to hydrogen sulfide during the process of anaerobic respiration. These bacteria play a critical role in the sulfur cycle, influencing the biogeochemical processes in various environments, especially in sediments and anaerobic ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Desulfovibrio species are commonly found in marine and freshwater sediments, as well as in anaerobic digesters and contaminated environments.
2. These bacteria are important for bioremediation as they can detoxify heavy metals by precipitating them as sulfides.
3. Desulfovibrio can thrive in extreme conditions, including high salinity and low pH, making them versatile microorganisms in various ecological niches.
4. The metabolic activity of Desulfovibrio contributes to the generation of hydrogen sulfide, which can have significant environmental impacts, including the formation of anoxic zones.
5. Research on Desulfovibrio has implications for understanding energy production in ecosystems and developing sustainable waste treatment strategies.

Review Questions

• How does Desulfovibrio contribute to the sulfur cycle and what role does it play in anaerobic environments?
  • Desulfovibrio contributes to the sulfur cycle by reducing sulfate to hydrogen sulfide through its metabolic processes. In anaerobic environments, these bacteria utilize sulfate as a terminal electron acceptor during respiration, which allows them to thrive where oxygen is absent. This activity not only recycles sulfur compounds but also influences the overall ecosystem dynamics by affecting nutrient availability and creating anoxic conditions.
• Discuss the significance of Desulfovibrio in bioremediation efforts, particularly in relation to heavy metal detoxification.
  • Desulfovibrio species are significant in bioremediation due to their ability to reduce toxic heavy metals by converting them into insoluble sulfide forms. This process effectively immobilizes heavy metals, preventing them from leaching into groundwater or entering food webs. Their presence in contaminated sites enhances the natural attenuation processes and can be harnessed for developing strategies aimed at cleaning up polluted environments.
• Evaluate the ecological impact of Desulfovibrio's production of hydrogen sulfide and its implications for marine environments.
  • The production of hydrogen sulfide by Desulfovibrio has profound ecological impacts, particularly in marine environments where it can lead to the formation of anoxic zones. These zones can create stress on marine life due to decreased oxygen availability, potentially leading to fish kills and shifts in community structure. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for managing marine ecosystems and addressing issues related to nutrient pollution and eutrophication that may exacerbate hydrogen sulfide production.

Related terms

Sulfate-reduction: A biological process where sulfate is reduced to sulfide by microorganisms, particularly in anaerobic conditions.

Biogeochemical cycles: Natural processes that recycle nutrients in different chemical forms from the environment to organisms and then back to the environment.

Hydrogen sulfide: A colorless gas with a characteristic foul odor, produced during the reduction of sulfate by certain bacteria, including Desulfovibrio.