Methanosarcina barkeri

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Methanosarcina barkeri

Classification

Higher order taxa

NCBI: Archaea; Euryarchaeota; Methanomicrobia; Methanosarcinales; Methanosarcinaceae; Methanosarcina

Species

NCBI: Methanosarcina barkeri

Strains

NCBI: Methanosarcina barkeri str. Fusaro

Methanosarcina barkeri str. MS
Methanosarcina barkeri str. W
Methanosarcina barkeri str. 227

Description and significance

Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.

Genome structure

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?

Cell structure and metabolism

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

Methanosarcina barkeri is an archaea and therefore causes no known diseases. As an interesting side note, M. barkeri may be responsible for up to 17% of the world's atmospheric methane, a known greenhouse gas. Therefore, it is possible that M. barkeri is contributing to global warming.

Application to Biotechnology

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

Current Research

Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required

References

Balch, WE, Fox, GE, Magrum, LJ, Woese, CR, and Wolfe, RS. "Methanogens: Reevaluation of a Unique Biological Group". Microbiological Reviews. June 1979. p. 260-296.
Maeder DL, Anderson I, Brettin TS, Bruce DC, Gilna P, Han CS, Lapidus A, Metcalf WW, Saunders E, Tapia R, Sowers KR. "The Methanosarcina barkeri Genome: Comparative Analysis with ...". Journal of Bacteriology. 2006. 188-22, p. 7922-7931.
Stadtman, TC and Barker, HA. "STUDIES ON THE METHANE FERMENTATION IX. The Origin of Methane in the Acetate and Methanol Fermentations by Methanosarcina". Journal of Bacteriology. 1951. 61-1, p. 81-86.
"Cutting cattle's methane emissions". USA Today (Magazine). June 01, 2002.

Edited by Ian Kerman, a student of Rachel Larsen at UCSD.