Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Environmental Sampling of Photosynthetic Microbes and Their Viruses: From Field to Lab
Published on: July 3, 2025
A novel photosynthetic purple bacterium isolated from a yellowstone hot spring
Abstract:
A thermophilic photosynthetic purple bacterium was isolated from the waters of a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The organism differs from all known purple bacteria in that it grows optimally at a temperature of about 50 degrees C. The isolate contains bacteriochlorophyll a and grows autotrophically, oxidizing sulfide to elemental sulfur which is then stored as globules inside the cell. These properties indicate that the phototroph is a member of the Chromatiaceae (purple sulfur bacteria).
Related Concept Videos
Anoxygenic Phototrophic Bacteria
Anoxygenic Photosynthesis
Hyperthermophilic Bacteria
Bacterial Phylum Cyanobacteria
Origin of Photosynthesis
Microbial Mats

