Physiological ecology of a gliding bacterium containing bacteriochlorophyll a.

A filamentous, gliding, thermophilic bacterium, found growing abundantly as a surface mat in a limited number of alkaline hot springs in Oregon, is described and designated F-1. The bacteria were studied in the field and in coculture with an aerobic chemoheterotroph. The bacteria are phototrophic and contain bacteriochlorophyll a and several carotenoid pigments. Unlike the other gliding phototrophic bacteria, members of the family Chloroflexaceae, F-1 does not contain chlorosomes or bacteriochlorophyll c or d. The light-dependent uptake of simple organic compounds (acetate and glucose) was demonstrated in field populations. Near-infrared radiation sustained this uptake, which occurred equally well under aerobic or anaerobic conditions and was insensitive to 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea. The bacteria formed conspicuous dominant mats from about 35 to 56 degrees C, and they covered mats of cyanobacteria in the spring, summer, and autumn months. It appears that they depend on high light intensities to maintain a dense population.