Green sulfur bacteria

Definition

Green sulfur bacteria are a group of anaerobic, phototrophic bacteria that use sulfur compounds as electron donors for photosynthesis. They belong to the phylum Chlorobi and thrive in light-deprived, anoxic environments such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents or stratified lakes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Green sulfur bacteria utilize chlorosomes to capture light efficiently in low-light conditions.
2. They perform anoxygenic photosynthesis, meaning they do not produce oxygen as a byproduct.
3. These bacteria fix carbon dioxide using the reverse tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.
4. Habitats include deep-sea hydrothermal vents and stratified lakes where light is minimal and anoxic conditions prevail.
5. The primary pigments involved in their photosynthesis are bacteriochlorophylls c, d, or e.

Related terms

Chlorobi:

A phylum to which green sulfur bacteria belong.

Anoxygenic Photosynthesis: A form of photosynthesis that does not produce oxygen as a byproduct.

Chlorosome: A specialized antenna complex used by green sulfur bacteria to capture light under low-light conditions.