Clostridium botulinum: Difference between revisions
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==Description and significance== | ==Description and significance== | ||
The bacterium Clostridium botulinum is a rod-shaped organism of the genus Clostridium. Most commonly found in soil, C. botulinum are found to grow most efficiently in low-oxygen conditions. | |||
First discovered and isolated by Emile van Ermengem in 1896, C. botulinum survive by forming spores, remaining in a dormant state until environmental conditions arise that allow them to grow. | |||
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. | 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. | Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them. | ||
Revision as of 21:19, 2 May 2007
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Clostridium botulinum
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Firmicutes; Clostridia; Clostridiales; clostridiaceae
Species
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Clostridium Botulinum
Description and significance
The bacterium Clostridium botulinum is a rod-shaped organism of the genus Clostridium. Most commonly found in soil, C. botulinum are found to grow most efficiently in low-oxygen conditions.
First discovered and isolated by Emile van Ermengem in 1896, C. botulinum survive by forming spores, remaining in a dormant state until environmental conditions arise that allow them to grow.
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
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 Brannon Peralta student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
