Thiobacillus

The genus Thiobacillus is also known under the name of Acidithiobacillus. Thiobacillus ferrooxidans are airborne bacteria. This genus is thermophilic, preferring temperatures of 45-50 degrees Celsius. In addition, this is an acidophilic genus, preferring a pH of 1.5 to 2.5. A few species, however, only grow in a neutral pH.

Thiobacillus are colorless, rod-shaped, Gram-negative bacteria with polar flagella. They possess an iron oxidase, which allows them to metabolize metal ions such as ferrous iron:

Fe2+ + 1/2 O2 + 2H+ --> Fe3+ + H2O

Thiobacillus are strictly aerobic bacteria. All species are respiratory organisms.

Thiobacillus are obligate autotrophic organisms, meaning they require inorganic molecules as an electron donor and inorganic carbon (such as carbon dioxide) as a source. They obtain nutrients by oxidizing iron and sulfur with O2.

Thiobacillus do not form spores; they are Gram-negative Proteobacteria. Their life cycle is typical of bacteria, with reproduction by cell fission.