 After sequencing and analyzing the DNA of "Nitrospira" members researchers discovered both species had genes encoding ammonia monooxygenase (Amo) and hydroxlyamine dehydrogenase (hao), enzymes that ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), use to convert ammonia into nitrite.The bacteria possess all necessary sub-units for both enzymes as well as the necessary cell membrane associated proteins and transporters to carry out the first step of nitrification.Origins of the Amo gene are debatable as one study found that it is similar to other AOB[3], while another study found the Amo gene to be genetically distinct from other lineages.