Cytochromes c of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

The chemolithoautotrophic Gram-negative bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is versatile and can grow on a number of electron donors and acceptors. In the A. ferrooxidans ATCC 23270 genome, computer analysis identified 11 genes encoding putative cytochromes c. At least eight putative cytochromes c were differentiated on gels in ATCC 33020 cells grown on ferrous iron or sulfur. All these cytochromes were associated with the inner or the outer membranes. Lower levels of total cytochromes c were observed in sulfur- than in ferrous iron-grown cells. One cytochrome c was specific for sulfur conditions while three were specific for iron conditions, suggesting that cytochrome c synthesis is modulated depending on the electron donor.