Nonsulfur bacteria

Definition

Nonsulfur bacteria are a group of phototrophic bacteria that do not use sulfur as an electron donor in their photosynthetic process. They primarily use organic compounds or hydrogen as electron donors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nonsulfur bacteria are part of the phylum Proteobacteria and Chlorobi.
2. They perform anoxygenic photosynthesis, meaning they do not produce oxygen during their light-dependent reactions.
3. These bacteria thrive in anaerobic conditions with light and can be found in environments like freshwater ponds and soil.
4. Their photosynthetic pigments include bacteriochlorophylls, which absorb different wavelengths of light compared to chlorophylls in plants.
5. Nonsulfur bacteria can switch to chemoheterotrophic metabolism when light is not available.

Related terms

Phototrophic Bacteria: Bacteria that obtain energy from light through the process of photosynthesis.

Anoxygenic Photosynthesis: A form of photosynthesis used by certain bacteria that does not produce oxygen.

Chemoheterotrophic Metabolism: A metabolic pathway where organisms obtain energy by consuming organic compounds.