Rhodospirillum rubrum is a species of Gram-negative bacteria commonly found in fresh water. The spelling of the scientific name is phonetically transcribed as /ˈroʊdoʊspaɪˌrɪləm ˈruːbrəm/. The initial sound /r/ is followed by the vowel /oʊ/, representing the long "o" sound in "stone." The stress is on the second syllable /doʊ/, and the final /m/ is pronounced with nasalization. The species name "rubrum" means red, reflecting the pigmentation of the bacteria.
Rhodospirillum rubrum is a gram-negative, non-pathogenic bacterium belonging to the family Rhodospirillaceae. It is considered a model organism for studying photosynthetic bacteria due to its well-characterized metabolism and genetic makeup. The species name, rubrum, derives from its distinct reddish-pink coloration, which is caused by the presence of a photosynthetic pigment called bacteriochlorophyll.
This bacterium is known for its ability to utilize a diverse range of carbon sources, making it versatile in various ecological niches. It can perform both oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis, allowing it to generate energy through light absorption. During anoxygenic photosynthesis, it uses light energy to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through cyclic photophosphorylation, while oxygenic photosynthesis enables the production of oxygen and biomass.
In addition to its photosynthetic capabilities, Rhodospirillum rubrum is also capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Through a unique process called symbiotic nitrogen fixation, it forms mutualistic associations with certain leguminous plants and contributes to their growth by converting molecular nitrogen into ammonia.
Furthermore, this bacterium exhibits a remarkable resistance to extreme environmental conditions, including high temperatures, low pH levels, and high salt concentrations. These adaptations make Rhodospirillum rubrum well-suited for survival in diverse habitats such as aquatic environments, soils, and even wastewater treatment plants.
Overall, Rhodospirillum rubrum is a highly interesting and extensively studied bacterium, serving as a valuable model for studying photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and environmental adaptability in microbial systems.
The word "Rhodospirillum" is derived from the Greek words "rhodon" meaning "rose" and "spirillum" meaning "small coil" or "spiral". This name refers to the spiral-shaped bacteria in the genus Rhodospirillum.
The word "rubrum" is a Latin adjective meaning "red". It refers to the red color exhibited by this bacteria, specifically when grown under low oxygen conditions. Rhodospirillum rubrum is a species of photosynthetic bacteria known for its ability to photosynthesize using red light.