Summary
Nitrosolobus multiformis is a lobular shaped, previously undescribed ammonia-oxidizing bacterium. The organism is ubiquitous and was isolated from soil samples obtained in various parts of the world. Its lobular nature and its internal, partially compartmentalized cytoplasm makes it morphologically unique and easily distinguishable from all other microorganisms. Physiological compartmentalization also occurs and is characterized by glycogen deposition in the peripheral compartments of the cell. The cells are obligate chemoautotrophs using CO2 and ammonia as primary carbon and energy sources. Its obligate chemoautotrophic nature stems primarily from a metabolic deficiency. Even though the cells cannot be grown on an organic medium the cells still have a slight heterotrophic potential and are able to oxidize and assimilate minute amounts of acetate in the absence of an inorganic energy source.
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Contribution No. 2606 from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543.
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Watson, S.W., Graham, L.B., Remsen, C.C. et al. A lobular, ammonia-oxidizing bacterium, Nitrosolobus multiformis Nov. Gen. Nov. sp. . Archiv. Mikrobiol. 76, 183–203 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00409115
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00409115