<i>Heliobacillus mobilis</i>, a peritrichously flagellated anoxyphototroph containing bacteriochlorophyll<i>g</i>

Abstract

The unique characteristics of Heliobacterium chlorum, first described in 1983, indicated the possible existence of a previously unknown family of anoxyphototrophs. This communication details the isolation and major properties of Heliobacillus mobilis, a peritrichously flagellated green photosynthetic bacterium closely related to H. chlorum. These and other findings establish the family Heliobacteriaceae. Adherent organisms are strictly anaerobic phototrophs that contain bacteriochlorophyll g (Bchl g) as the principal photopigment, fix N2 readily, and lack chlorosomes as well as extensively developed intracytoplasmic membrane systems.