Summary auto-generated
This study describes the isolation and characterization of a novel sulfate-reducing bacterium, designated strain lacT, from surface-sterilized roots of the seagrass Zostera marina. The bacterium was isolated using agar-shake dilution enrichment with lactate and sulfate. Strain lacT is a motile, curved rod bacterium that uses various organic compounds as electron donors including lactate, pyruvate, fructose, and ethanol, with sulfate, thiosulfate, sulfite, and elemental sulfur as electron acceptors. Notably, the strain can metabolize fructose, a sugar rarely used by sulfate-reducing bacteria. Optimal growth occurred at 32.5-34.5°C, pH 6.8-7.3, and 0.2 M NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences placed the bacterium within the genus Desulfovibrio, most closely related to D. salexigens with 95.9% sequence identity. The DNA G+C content was 42.7 mol%. Based on distinct phenotypic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequences, cellular fatty acid composition, and substrate utilization patterns that differentiate it from other Desulfovibrio species, strain lacT was formally designated Desulfovibrio zosterae sp. nov.
Key findings
- A novel sulfate-reducing bacterium, Desulfovibrio zosterae sp. nov., was isolated from seagrass roots, representing a new species within the genus Desulfovibrio
- Strain lacT uniquely oxidizes fructose with or without sulfate, a rare capability among sulfate-reducing bacteria
- Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences showed closest relation to D. salexigens at 95.9% identity, with distinct DNA G+C content of 42.7 mol%
- The isolate demonstrates multiple physiological distinctions including nitrogen fixation capability and diverse substrate utilization compared to related Desulfovibrio species
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Abstract
A sulfate-reducing bacterium, designated strain lac(T), was isolated from surface-sterilized roots of the benthic macrophyte Zostera marina. Cells were motile by means of a single polar flagellum. Strain lac(T) utilized lactate, pyruvate, malate, ethanol, L-alanine, fumarate, choline and fructose with sulfate as electron acceptor. In addition, fumarate, pyruvate and fructose were also degraded without an external electron acceptor. Sulfate could be substituted with thiosulfate, sulfite and elemental sulfur. Optimal growth was observed between 32.5 and 34.5 degrees C, at an NaCl concentration of 0.2 M and in a pH range between 6.8 and 7.3. The G+C content of the DNA was 42.7 +/- 0.2 mol%. Desulfoviridin and catalase were present. Strain lac(T) contained c-type cytochromes. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and the fatty acid pattern grouped this isolate into the genus Desulfovibrio. However, strain lac(T) differs from all other described Desulfovibrio species on the bases of its 16S rRNA gene sequence, the G+C content, its cellular lipid pattern and the utilization pattern of substrates. These characteristics establish strain lac(T) (=DSM 11974(T)) as a novel species of the genus Desulfovibrio, for which the name Desulfovibrio zosterae sp. nov. is proposed.