Urobacteria

Urobacteria

 

bacteria that hydrolyze urea to yield ammonia and carbon dioxide: CO(NH2)2 + H2O → CO2 + 2NH3. This reaction produces no energy and is caused by the bacterial enzyme urease; urobacteria oxidize organic acids and amino acids in order to obtain energy. Urobacteria include aerobic species that are capable of growth in highly alkaline media (pH 9.5): the sporiferous Bacillus pasteurii and the mobile, sporiferous Sporosarcina ureae. Urobacteria are found in soil, urine, manure, and sewage and in the water of water purification systems.