| Desulfotomaculum | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Bacteria |
| Kingdom: | Bacillati |
| Phylum: | Bacillota |
| Class: | Clostridia |
| Order: | Desulfotomaculales |
| Family: | Desulfotomaculaceae |
| Genus: | Desulfotomaculum Campbell & Postgate 1965 |
| Type species | |
| Desulfotomaculum nigrificans[2] (Werkman & Weaver 1927) Campbell & Postgate 1965 | |
| Species[1] | |
See text | |
| Synonyms | |
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Desulfotomaculum is a genus ofGram-positive,obligately anaerobic soil bacteria. A type ofsulfate-reducing bacteria,Desulfotomaculum can cause food spoilage in poorly processed canned foods.[citation needed] Their presence can be identified by the release ofhydrogen sulfide gas with its rotten egg smell when the can is first opened. They areendospore-forming bacteria.[citation needed]
In 2005, a new strain ofDesulfotomaculum, calledDesulforudis audaxviator, was discovered during drilling 2.8 km deep in theMponeng gold mine in South Africa. The strain, found in water which has been isolated for tens of millions of years, exists completely independent ofphotosynthesis.[3] The bacteria useradiolytically producedhydrogen gas, which is generated in that environment by the energy released by radioisotopes. The bacteria also usesulfates. Sulfates may be generated both by the energy released by radioisotopes as well as by other chemical reactions. Generatedhydrogen sulfide may be a continuous energy source for this organism.[4] Some organisms can obtain energy from sources other than from the sun or other stars, which means similar lifeforms may be found on other planets in theSolar System and elsewhere.[citation needed]
Desulfotomaculum present as straight or curved rods. They are highly heat resistant and free-living fixers of atmospheric nitrogen. They are motile withperitrichous flagella and are common inhabitants of soil, water, geothermal run-off, insect intestines and in rumen. They also cause "sulphide stinker" spoilage of canned foods.
The currently accepted taxonomy is based on theList of Prokaryotic names with Standing in Nomenclature (LPSN)[2] andNational Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).[1]
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Unassigned species: