Abyssobacteria

Abyssobacteria
Scientific classification
Domain: Bacteria
Kingdom: incertae sedis
Informal group: Candidate phyla radiation
Phylum: Abyssobacteria
Dedysh & Yilmaz, 2018
Genera

Abyssobacteria is a phylum of bacteria in the Patescibacteria group, characterized by small genomes and deep-branching phylogeny.[1]

Etymology

The name ''Abyssobacteria'' derives from Latin ''abyssus'' (deep) and ''bacteria'', referring to their prevalence in deep subsurface habitats.[2]

Characteristics

Abyssobacteria are characterized by ultra-small cell sizes (typically <0.2 μm), reduced metabolic pathways, and dependence on host bacteria for nutrients, often in anoxic aquifers and deep subsurface sediments.[3] They exhibit limited fermentation capabilities and lack many biosynthetic genes, reflecting their parasitic or symbiotic lifestyles.

References

  1. ^ Momper, Lily; Aronson, Heidi S.; Amend, Jan P. (2018). "Genomic Description of 'Candidatus Abyssubacteria,' a Novel Subsurface Lineage Within the Candidate Phylum Hydrogenedentes". Frontiers in Microbiology. 9 1993. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2018.01993. ISSN 1664-302X. PMC 6121073. PMID 30210471.
  2. ^ "Class: Abyssubacteria". lpsn.dsmz.de. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
  3. ^ Attar, Naomi (August 2015). "An intriguing new bacterial phylum". Nature Reviews Microbiology. 13 (8): 459. doi:10.1038/nrmicro3534. ISSN 1740-1534.