General Information: This strain is a derivative strain isolated in the laboratory of Barry Marrs from the classical progenitor strain B10. It is rifampicin-resistant, produces GTA, and is capable of growing under high illumination (resistant to photooxidative killing). Bacteria belonging to the Rhodobacter group are metabolically versatile as they are able to use photosynthesis and usually can grow under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions. This organism is a facultatively phototrophic purple non-sulfur bacterium and the type species of the Rhodobacter group. The colony's color depends largely on the amount of oxygen present in its environment. While it is able to produce cellular energy in a number of different ways, it can rely on anoxygenic photosynthesis under anaerobic conditions in the presence of light. Some strains produce the Gene Transfer Element (GTA), a pro-phage particle capable of transferring genetic material between strains.