| Description | Metallosphaera sedula is a gram-negative, rod-shaped microbe that thrives in temperatures between 50-60°C, placing it in the thermophilic temperature preference category. As a chemolithoautotroph, it derives its energy from the oxidation of sulfur compounds, using the chemical energy released to produce ATP. This unique metabolism allows M. sedula to survive in environments where organic matter is scarce, such as hot springs and deep-sea vents. The cell body of M. sedula is typically 0.5-1.5 μm in length, with a diameter of 0.2-0.4 μm. Its rod-shaped morphology is characteristic of most thermophilic bacteria. In terms of energy production, M. sedula utilizes the process of chemosynthesis, where the energy released from sulfide oxidation is used to produce ATP through the electron transport chain. As a strict anaerobe, M. sedula is unable to survive in the presence of oxygen and requires a sulfur-rich environment to thrive. This unique energy metabolism allows the microbe to play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter and the cycling of sulfur compounds in extreme environments. M. sedula can be found in diverse locations, including hot springs, deep-sea vents, and petroleum reservoirs, where it participates in the degradation of sulfur-containing compounds. Its ability to thrive in extreme conditions makes it a valuable model organism for studying the adaptations of life in environments that are inhospitable to most microorganisms. Despite its ability to survive in environments with extreme temperatures and chemical conditions, M. sedula has been shown to be sensitive to certain antibiotics, making it a potential target for the development of novel antibiotics. Additionally, its unique metabolism and energy production processes have contributed to its use as a model system for the study of chemosynthesis and extremophilic life. |
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