Clostridium acetobutylicum: Difference between revisions
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==Pathology== | ==Pathology== | ||
''C. acetobutylicum'' is completely benign, however, many other species in the Clostridium genus are known pathogens, including: ''Clostridium difficile'', ''Clostridium botulinum'', ''Clostridium tetani'', and ''Clostridium perfringen''. | |||
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms. | How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms. | ||
Revision as of 08:26, 1 May 2007
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Clostridium acetobutylicum
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria (Domain); Firmicutes (Phylum); Clostridia (Class); Clostridiales (Order); Clostridiaceae (Family); Clostridium (Genus)
Species
Clostridium acetobutylicum
Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 is considered the type strain.
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Description and significance
Clostridium acetobutylicum is a Gram positive bacillus. C. acetobutylicum is a soil dwelling and mesophilic with optimal temperatures of 10-65C.It is anaerobic and saccharolytic capable of producing a number of different commercially useful products; most notably acetone, ethanol and butanol.
It was first isolated between 1912 and 1914. Chaim Weizmann cultured the bacteria to be used to produce acetone, ethanol and butanol (ABE method) which was used to produce TNT and gunpowder in the first World War. Following WWI, the ABE process was widely used until the 1950's when petrochemical processes were more cost-effective due to the cost and availability of petroleum fuel sources.
The recent
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
The genome of Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 has been sequenced. This is the model strain for solvent-producing bacteria. It consists of once circular chromosome with 3,940,880 bp. The chromosome contains 11 operons coding for ribosomes, each of which is near the oriC and oriented in the direction of the leading strand of the replication fork. This is a characteristic commonly observed known as gene dosage, in which highly transcribed genes are placed near the oriC.
In addition, the genome consists of one megaplasmid involved with solvent production and aptly named pSOL1. pSOL1 contains 192,000 bp and codes for 178 polypeptides. Examination of the plasmid indicates no obvious bias in the coding strand.
Mutants which do not produce acetone or alcohol, such as mutant M5 have been shown to lack of three enzymes in vitro: butyraldehyde dehydrogenase (BYDH), acetoacetate decarboxylase(AADC), and acetoacetyl-coenzyme A:acetate/butyrate:coenzyme A-transferase (CoAT). These enzymes have been shown to be coded for on the plasmid within the sol operon by the following genes: AADC (adc), CoAT (ctfA, ctfB) and BYDH (aad). Further, mutants lacking these genes and unable to produce solvent resume acetone and alcohol production upon complementation of the genes via plasmids.
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
C. acetobutylicum is completely benign, however, many other species in the Clostridium genus are known pathogens, including: Clostridium difficile, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium tetani, and Clostridium perfringen.
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
Taxonomy: NCBI
Edited by Mark Hower, student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
