The family chrysiogenaceae

Abstract

The phylum Chrysiogenetes currently comprises a sole lineage, the family Chrysiogenaceae which includes a group of strict anaerobes belonging to the genera Chrysiogenes, Desulfurispirillum, and Desulfurispira. Chrysiogenaceae have been isolated from a variety of anoxic environments. The four characterized members of the family Chrysiogenaceae are metabolically versatile, in that they use a variety of alternative terminal electron acceptors, including sulfur, nitrate, selenate, and arsenate, and short-chain organic acids as carbon and energy sources. This respiratory flexibility may enable these organisms to thrive in dynamic redox environments. However, only the isolation and description of additional Chrysiogenaceae will provide an accurate assessment of common traits and distinguishing features within the phylum.