What is the Difference Between Green and Purple Sulfur Bacteria?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Green and purple sulfur bacteria are both photoautotrophic bacteria that can undergo anoxygenic photosynthesis, but they have some differences in their appearance, color, and metabolic processes. Here are the key differences between green and purple sulfur bacteria:
- Color: Green sulfur bacteria appear in yellowish-green, green-orange, or brown, while purple sulfur bacteria appear in purple or reddish-brown.
- Bacteriochlorophylls: Green sulfur bacteria contain bacteriochlorophylls c, d, a, or e, while purple sulfur bacteria contain bacteriochlorophylls a or b.
- Photosynthesis: Green sulfur bacteria use sulfide as their ultimate electron donor for photosynthesis, while purple sulfur bacteria use sulfide or thiosulfate as their electron donor.
- Habitat: Green sulfur bacteria thrive well in sulfur-rich environments with low light intensities, while purple sulfur bacteria are usually found in hot springs containing low organic matter.
- Anaerobic or Microaerophilic: Green sulfur bacteria are obligate anaerobes, while purple sulfur bacteria can be microaerophilic or anaerobic.
- Nitrogen Reduction: Most green sulfur bacteria can reduce nitrogen to ammonia, which is later used to synthesize amino acids.
Comparative Table: Green vs Purple Sulfur Bacteria
Green and purple sulfur bacteria are both photoautotrophic bacteria that can undergo anoxygenic photosynthesis. They have some similarities and differences, which can be summarized in the following table:
| Feature | Green Sulfur Bacteria | Purple Sulfur Bacteria |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Phylum Chlorobiota, order Chlorobiales | Phylum Proteobacteria, order Chromatiales |
| Pigments | Bacteriochlorophyll c, d, a or e | Bacteriochlorophylls a or b |
| Location of Pigments | Chlorosome and Plasma membrane | Chromatophore and Plasma membrane |
| Respiration | Obligate anaerobic | Microaerophilic or anaerobic |
| Sulfur Deposition | Outside the cell | Inside the cell |
| Color of Bacterial Colonies | Green, yellowish-green, or orange-green | Purple, reddish-purple, or reddish-brown |
| Electron Donors in Photosynthesis | Reduced sulfur compounds (e.g., hydrogen sulfide) | Variety of electron donors, including hydrogen gas and organic compounds |
| Environment | Aquatic environments with low oxygen levels | Anaerobic aquatic environments |
Green sulfur bacteria belong to the phylum Chlorobiota and order Chlorobiales, while purple sulfur bacteria belong to the phylum Proteobacteria and order Chromatiales. Green sulfur bacteria use reduced sulfur compounds as electron donors in photosynthesis, whereas purple sulfur bacteria use a variety of electron donors, including hydrogen gas and organic compounds. Additionally, green sulfur bacteria store energy as elemental sulfur granules, which they can use as a source of energy and sulfur for growth.
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