Ectothiorhodospiraceae

Among the phototrophic purple sulfur bacteria, these were initially distinguished because they deposit elemental sulfur globules outside the cells, unlike the nEndothiorhodaceae that deposit elemental sulfur inside their cells. Subsequently the extrmely halophilic species were segregated from Ectothiorhodospira and assigned to Halorhodospira. Most species are rods, most often slightly bent rods, vibrios or spirilla that during oxidation of sulfide produce elemental sulfur which is deposited outside the cells; one species, Ectothiorhodospira vacuolata, produces gas vesicles. All of the phototrophic Ectothiorhodospiraceae produce characteristic internal membrane stacks that may constitute a large fraction of the internal volume of these cells. 

The Ectothiorhodospiraceae are a family of purple sulfur bacteria, distinguished by producing sulfur globules outside of their cells. The cells are rod-shaped, vibrioid, or spirilla, and they are able to move using flagella. In general, they are marine and prefer anaerobic conditions. Ectothiorhodospiraceae are a vibrio bacteria that require salty living conditions to survive and grow: classifying them as slightly halophilic. Like all purple sulfur bacteria, they are capable of photosynthesis. To complete this energy process, Sulfur compounds are used as electron donors for carbon fixation in the pentose phosphate pathway. This elemental sulfur accumulates outside of the cells.

Ectothiorhodospiraceae mobilis Table of Characteristics

Note: + = positive, - = negative