Heliobacteria

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. They are a key player in symbiotic nitrogen fixation alongside plants, and use a type I reaction center like green-sulfur bacteria.

Heliobacteria
Scientific classification
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Bacillota
Class: Clostridia
Order: Eubacteriales
Family: Heliobacteriaceae
Madigan & Asao 2010
Genera
  • Heliobacillus
  • Heliobacterium
  • "Ca. Helioclostridium"
  • Heliomicrobium
  • "Ca. Heliomonas"
  • Heliophilum
  • Heliorestis

RNA trees place the heliobacteria among the Bacillota. 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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