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Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T 1Z3. yurkov@unixg.ubc.ca
Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews : MMBR
|September 8, 1998
Summary
Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria utilize bacteriochlorophyll a for photosynthesis but cannot grow anaerobically. Their evolutionary origins and relationship with purple nonsulfur bacteria are explored.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Photosynthesis research
Background:
- Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria are a recently identified group with unique photosynthetic traits.
- They possess bacteriochlorophyll a, abundant carotenoids, and light-inhibited bacteriochlorophyll synthesis.
- These bacteria are taxonomically diverse, belonging to Proteobacteria subclasses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary origins of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria.
- To compare their physiology with closely related facultative anaerobic purple nonsulfur phototrophic bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine bacterial relationships.
- Comparative physiology focusing on morphology and metabolic processes.
- Review of current evolutionary proposals.
Main Results:
- Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria are phylogenetically linked to Proteobacteria subclasses.
- Facultative anaerobic purple nonsulfur phototrophic bacteria are identified as close relatives.
- Significant physiological differences and similarities exist between these groups.
Conclusions:
- The evolutionary path of photosynthetic properties in aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria remains an active area of research.
- Comparative analysis highlights key distinctions and shared characteristics with related bacterial groups.