Domain Bacteria
Chrysiogenetes

The Chrysiogenetes are a newly-declared phylum of bacteria. So far only one species has been studied.

It has a unique lifestyle and biochemistry.

It is a chemolithoautotroph - it uses chemical means to digest rock for energy and does not need organic matter for its existence.

Chrysiogenetes eats arsenic. Usually toxic to life, these organisms use arsenite, an oxidized form of arsenicr to create energy.

Chrysiogenetes is found in environments rich in arsenite, such as arsenic-contaminated sediments or in gold mines.

Chrysiogenes arsenatis