Dimethylsulfoniopropionate degrading marine bacterium. Sulfitobacter sp. GAI-109

Sulfitobacter sp. strain GAI-109. This organism is able to degrade dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) to methanethiol. DMSP is synthesized by marine algae and is common in surface waters. Algae and marine bacteria can degrade DMSP to dimethylsulfide, which contributes to atmospheric sulfur and can influence global climate. Methanethiol produced from the degradation of DMSP by strain GAI-109 is either assimilated into protein or forms non-volatile compounds, effectively limiting the input of sulfur into the atmosphere. Sulfitobacter sp. strain GAI-109 was isolated from surface seawater obtained off the coast of Georgia. This strain will be used for comparative genomics with other marine microorganisms.