Nitrobacter | |
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TEM image of Nitrobacter winogradskyi strain Nb-255 | |
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Genus: | Nitrobacter Winogradsky 1892
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Type species | |
Nitrobacter winogradskyi | |
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Nitrobacter is a genus comprising rod-shaped, gram-negative, and chemoautotrophic bacteria.[1] The name Nitrobacter derives from the Latin neuter gender noun nitrum, nitri, alkalis; the Ancient Greek noun βακτηρία, βακτηρίᾱς, rod. They are non-motile and reproduce via budding or binary fission.[2][3] Nitrobacter cells are obligate aerobes and have a doubling time of about 13 hours.[1]
Nitrobacter play an important role in the nitrogen cycle by oxidizing nitrite into nitrate in soil and marine systems.[2] Unlike plants, where electron transfer in photosynthesis provides the energy for carbon fixation, Nitrobacter uses energy from the oxidation of nitrite ions, NO2−, into nitrate ions, NO3−, to fulfill their energy needs. Nitrobacter fix carbon dioxide via the Calvin cycle for their carbon requirements.[1] Nitrobacter belongs to the Alphaproteobacteria class of the Pseudomonadota.[3][4]