Ways of Sulfur Utilization by the Organism Thiobacillus Thioparus

Abstract

The chemoautotrophic microorganism Thiobacillus thioparus has been the subject of several studies. Information on its metabolism, however, is very sparse. We know that it has the ability to oxidize thiosulfate to elementary sulfur and even to sulfates, using the energy liberated in this process for its life requirements. Yet the mechanism of thiosulfate oxidation by these microorganisms, as also the mechanism of their utilization of thiosulfate as the only source of sulfur for the synthesis of the organic sulfur compounds contained in them, still remains a mystery.