Mesotoga

Abstract

Me.so.to'ga. Gr. masc. adj. mesos middle; L. fem. n. toga Roman outer garment; N.L. fem. n. Mesotoga , a “garment in the middle,” referring to its moderate optimal growth temperature and the presence of a toga‐like outer sheath. Thermotogota / Thermotogae / Kosmotogales / Kosmotogaceae / Mesotoga Mesotoga spp. are mesophilic obligate heterotrophs , with optimum growth temperature between 37 and 45°C, optimal pH of 6.9–7.5, and optimal salinity of 0.2–4.0 (NaCl w/v%). These bacteria utilize sugar in the presence of sulfur , thiosulfate , or in association with a syntrophic hydrogenotrophic partner . The cells are Gram‐stain negative short rods to ovoid cocci with a sheath‐like structure. Mesotoga spp. are members of the phylum Thermotogota , class Thermotogae , order Kosmotogales , and family Kosmotogaceae . The genus is currently composed of two described species, M. prima and M. infera . The known habitats are deep aquifers, marine anoxic sediments, hydrocarbon‐impacted environments, and anaerobic man‐made environments. DNA G + C content (mol%) : 45.2–48.3 (genome analysis). Type species : Mesotoga prima Nesbø et al. 2012, VL149.