Dictyoglomus thermophilum: Difference between revisions
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==Description and significance== | ==Description and significance== | ||
Dictyoglomus thermophilum is light grey, anaerobic, extremely thermophilic, rod-shaped bacterium first isolated from a slightly alkaline hot spring (pH 7.2, 100% N2) in Japan. 1985. Since then, the organism has been isolated from hot spring beds located in New Zealand and Russia as well. Like other thermophiles, D. thermophilum, thrives in environments of high temperature (between 50 and 80˚C, with an optimal value of 78˚C). | |||
This bacterium is unique in that it is the only member of the phylum entitled Dictyoglomi. The properties of this strain do not fit those of any previously described genus, warranting its very own phylum. It stained as Gram negative (-), meaning that it contains both an inner and outer cell membrane. D. thermophilum only lives in aquatic environments and is not known to have any form of motility. It is a chemoorganotorph which derives energy by metabolizing organic molecules. This mysterious and elusive bacterium has generated interest because it has the ability to express a protein called xylanase, an enzyme involved in the digestion of xylan, a heteropolymer of the pentose sugar xylose. By treating wood pulp with this enzyme, paper manufacturers can create white paper without the use of chlorine bleach. Scientists have attempted to sequence and study the genes which encode this unusual protein and many others, with the intention of understanding how this organism is able to thrive under such extreme conditions. | |||
Dictyoglomus thermophilum is a fairly young organism, only discovered in the year 1985 by Saiki et al. in a tsuetate hot spring of Japan. The characteristics of this bacterium are quite unique; however, other organisms have been discovered with features similar to those of Dictyoglomus thermophilum. | |||
==Genome structure== | ==Genome structure== | ||
Revision as of 07:01, 25 August 2007
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Dictyoglomus thermophilum
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Dictyoglomi; Dictyoglomi; Dictyoglomales; Dictyoglomaceae
Species
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Dictyoglomus thermophilum
Description and significance
Dictyoglomus thermophilum is light grey, anaerobic, extremely thermophilic, rod-shaped bacterium first isolated from a slightly alkaline hot spring (pH 7.2, 100% N2) in Japan. 1985. Since then, the organism has been isolated from hot spring beds located in New Zealand and Russia as well. Like other thermophiles, D. thermophilum, thrives in environments of high temperature (between 50 and 80˚C, with an optimal value of 78˚C).
This bacterium is unique in that it is the only member of the phylum entitled Dictyoglomi. The properties of this strain do not fit those of any previously described genus, warranting its very own phylum. It stained as Gram negative (-), meaning that it contains both an inner and outer cell membrane. D. thermophilum only lives in aquatic environments and is not known to have any form of motility. It is a chemoorganotorph which derives energy by metabolizing organic molecules. This mysterious and elusive bacterium has generated interest because it has the ability to express a protein called xylanase, an enzyme involved in the digestion of xylan, a heteropolymer of the pentose sugar xylose. By treating wood pulp with this enzyme, paper manufacturers can create white paper without the use of chlorine bleach. Scientists have attempted to sequence and study the genes which encode this unusual protein and many others, with the intention of understanding how this organism is able to thrive under such extreme conditions.
Dictyoglomus thermophilum is a fairly young organism, only discovered in the year 1985 by Saiki et al. in a tsuetate hot spring of Japan. The characteristics of this bacterium are quite unique; however, other organisms have been discovered with features similar to those of Dictyoglomus thermophilum.
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
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
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
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen
