Genome Sequence of the Unusual Purple Photosynthetic Bacterium Phaeovibrio sulfidiphilus, Only Distantly Related to Rhodospirillaceae, Reveals Unique Genes for Respiratory Nitrate Reduction and Glycerol Metabolism

ABSTRACT Phaeovibrio sulfidiphilus was reported to be a divergent member of the purple photosynthetic bacteria with limited ability to metabolize organic compounds. Whole-genome-based analysis shows that it is indeed only distantly related to freshwater species of Rhodospirillaceae. Unexpectedly, the genome contains unique gene clusters for potential respiratory nitrate reduction and anaerobic glycerol metabolism.

In situ formation of photoactive B-ring reduced chlorophyll isomer in photosynthetic protein LH2

Natural chlorophylls have a D-ring reduced chlorin π-system; however, no naturally occurring photosynthetically active B-ring reduced chlorins have been reported. Here we report a B-ring reduced chlorin, 17,18-didehydro-bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a, produced by in situ oxidation of B800 bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a in a light-harvesting protein LH2 from a purple photosynthetic bacterium Phaeospirillum molischianum. The regioselective oxidation of the B-ring of B800 BChl a is rationalized by its molecular orientation in the protein matrix. The formation of 17,18-didehydro-BChl a produced no change in the local structures and circular arrangement of the LH2 protein. The B-ring reduced 17,18-didehydro-BChl a functions as an energy donor in the LH2 protein. The photoactive B-ring reduced Chl isomer in LH2 will be helpful for understanding the photofunction and evolution of photosynthetic cyclic tetrapyrrole pigments.

Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of the Purple Photosynthetic Bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris XCP

Rhodopseudomonas palustris is known for its versatile metabolic capabilities and has been proposed for a wide range of innovative applications. Here, we report the genome sequence of strain XCP, as well as a whole-genome nucleotide comparison of R. palustris strains, which indicates the need for further differentiation of the known strains.