green sulfur bacteria: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/TechnicalTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “green sulfur bacteria” mean?
A family of strictly anaerobic, phototrophic bacteria that use hydrogen sulfide (H2S) instead of water as an electron donor in photosynthesis, producing sulfur (not oxygen).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A family of strictly anaerobic, phototrophic bacteria that use hydrogen sulfide (H2S) instead of water as an electron donor in photosynthesis, producing sulfur (not oxygen).
Obligately anaerobic phototrophs belonging to the phylum Chlorobi, typically found in sulfide-rich aquatic environments like hot springs, stratified lakes, and microbial mats. They contain unique light-harvesting structures called chlorosomes and play a key role in sulfur cycling.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'sulfur' (US) vs 'sulphur' (UK) in broader contexts, but the scientific term 'green sulfur bacteria' uses 'sulfur' internationally. The UK may use 'green sulphur bacteria' in non-technical writing.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. No regional conceptual differences.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse. Used exclusively in microbiology, biogeochemistry, and environmental science in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “green sulfur bacteria” in a Sentence
[green sulfur bacteria] + [verb: oxidize, produce, inhabit, thrive] + [prepositional phrase: in sulfide-rich water]The + [green sulfur bacteria] + [verb] + [object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “green sulfur bacteria” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The water samples were inoculated to see if they would green-sulfur-bacteriate, but no growth occurred.
- The mats are heavily green-sulfur-bacteriated.
American English
- Researchers attempted to green-sulfur-bacteriate the bioreactor.
- The sediment layer is green-sulfur-bacteriated.
adverb
British English
- The sample reacted green-sulfur-bacterially, producing sulfur granules.
- The system functioned green-sulfur-bacterially in the absence of oxygen.
American English
- The biofilm grew green-sulfur-bacterially, utilizing sulfide.
- The consortium metabolized green-sulfur-bacterially.
adjective
British English
- The green-sulfur-bacterial mats were distinctly laminated.
- A green-sulfur-bacterial bloom coloured the spring.
American English
- We observed a green-sulfur-bacterial community under the microscope.
- The process is mediated by green-sulfur-bacterial metabolism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Specialized term in biology, environmental science, and earth sciences journals. Common in discussions of ancient photosynthesis, microbial mats, and biogeochemical cycles.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only in popular science contexts.
Technical
Standard term in microbiology. Used in research on photosynthesis evolution, wastewater treatment (sulfide removal), and astrobiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “green sulfur bacteria”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “green sulfur bacteria”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “green sulfur bacteria”
- Incorrectly stating they produce oxygen (they produce sulfur).
- Using 'sulfuric' instead of 'sulfur' (green sulfuric bacteria is wrong).
- Confusing them with purple sulfur bacteria or green non-sulfur bacteria (Chloroflexi).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They perform anoxygenic photosynthesis, using hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and producing sulfur, not oxygen.
In anaerobic, sulfide-rich environments like hot springs, the chemocline of stratified lakes, and microbial mats.
They contain bacteriochlorophylls c, d, or e, housed in unique antenna complexes called chlorosomes.
Yes, they are key players in the sulfur cycle, converting toxic hydrogen sulfide into less harmful forms and serving as primary producers in dark, anoxic environments.
A family of strictly anaerobic, phototrophic bacteria that use hydrogen sulfide (H2S) instead of water as an electron donor in photosynthesis, producing sulfur (not oxygen).
Green sulfur bacteria is usually technical/scientific in register.
Green sulfur bacteria: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡriːn ˈsʌl.fə bækˈtɪə.ri.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡriːn ˈsʌl.fɚ bækˈtɪr.i.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Green but not for oxygen; they use sulfur and thrive without air.'
Conceptual Metaphor
Often framed as 'ancient sunlight harvesters' or 'sulfur eaters that breathe light'.
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of green sulfur bacteria?