Bacteria from the Firmicutes kingdom breathe too: the respiratory chain of Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

Bacillus subtilis is a rod-shaped bacterium that is found in soil, water or in food. It is a Gram-positive bacterium with a single membrane and cytochrome c has no compartment, but it has a cytochrome oxidase. It doesn´t cause harm to humans and some species are used to improve human microbiota. This species is the most studied Gram-positive bacteria. In this review the different protein complexes that form the electron transport chain of B. subtilis are reviewed focused on the different associations that can occur between them. Also, the review focuses on the regulation of their expression and possible repercussions to their function and association with other proteins from the membrane. With this review, the intention is to give a general view of this very special bacteria and the importance of studying its respiratory chain.