Heliobacteria | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Bacteria |
Phylum: | Bacillota |
Class: | Clostridia |
Order: | Eubacteriales |
Family: | Heliobacteriaceae Madigan & Asao 2010 |
Genera[1] | |
Heliobacteria are a unique subset of prokaryotic bacteria that process light for energy. Distinguishable from other phototrophic bacteria, they utilize a unique photosynthetic pigment, bacteriochlorophyll g and are the only known Gram-positive phototroph.[2] They are a key player in symbiotic nitrogen fixation alongside plants, and use a type I reaction center like green-sulfur bacteria.[3][4]
RNA trees place the heliobacteria among the Bacillota.[5] They have no outer membrane and like certain other Bacillota (Clostridia), they form heat-resistant endospores, which contain high levels of calcium and dipicolinic acid. Heliobacteria are the only Bacillota known to be phototrophic.
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