Studies on the Metabolism of Autotrophic Bacteria

Abstract

The data of this paper indicate that: 1. The "energy of activation" (µ) of sulfur oxidation by the autotrophic bacterium, Thiobacillus thiooxidans, is similar to that of other respirations. 2. The pH of the menstruum does not influence the respiration on sulfur between the limits of pH 2 to 4.8 once contact between the bacterial cell and the sulfur particle has been established but it does influence the rate at which such contact occurs. 3. The pO2 has little effect upon the respiration of this organism. 4. Most organic materials have no detectable effect upon the respiration of Thiobacillus thiooxidans, but the organic acids of terminal respiration seem to stimulate the respiration in the absence of oxidizable sulfur and certain of them inhibit sulfur oxidation. 5. In so far as inhibitor studies on intact cells are trustworthy, sulfur oxidation goes through iron-containing systems similar to cytochrome. It is possible that the oxygen contained in the sulfuric acid formed during sulfur oxidation is derived from the oxygen of the water.

The Organism and Its Origin

“…Baalsrud and Baalsrud (1952) consider that in the thiobacilli the assimilation of carbon dioxide is closely and intimately connected with the oxidation of sodium thiosulfate. This is contrary to the findings reported by Vogler and Umbreit (1941), Umbreit, Vogel and Vogler (1942), Vogler, LePage and , Vogler (1942 a and b), Vogler and Umbreit (1942), LePage (1942), LePage and Umbreit (1943 a and b) and Umbreit (1951) that the adenosine phosphate system provides an energy transport link between the oxidation of sulfur and the reduction of carbon dioxide in Thiobacillus thiooxidans. However, it provides for biological theory a simpler mechanism for the reduction of carbon dioxide than was previously available.…”

Effects of Medium Agitation and Wetting Agents on Oxidation of Sulphur by Thiobacillus thiooxidans

“…Starkey (1925) noted that oxidation by growing cultures in static medium was greater when the air pressure was increased, but Vogler & Umbreit (1941) found that at PO, values from 10 to 30 % and pC0, values from 0.01 to 10 yo had little effect on oxidation. With resting cells, a PO, value below that in air decreased oxidation of elemental sulphur somewhat and resulted in a greater decrease in oxidation of thiosulphate; oxidation was more rapid at increased PO, values (Vogler, LePage, & Umbreit, 1942).…”

A novel Chromatiales bacterium is a potential sulfide oxidizer in multiple orders of marine sponges

“…Sulfur is assimilated into amino acids, vitamins, secondary metabolites and sulfo‐lipid compounds, making it an essential element for all living organisms. Beyond its importance as a building block, many bacteria and archaea use reduced sulfur compounds as electron sources to generate energy and assimilate inorganic carbon (Vogler et al ., ). Photoautotroph sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) oxidize hydrogen sulfide and other forms of reduced sulfur under anoxic conditions, such as those that occur in stratified lakes (Jorgensen et al ., ).…”