Nitrosomonas eutropha

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Nitrosomonas eutropha

Classification

Higher order taxa

Domain; Phylum; Class; Order; family [Others may be used. Use NCBI link to find]

Domain: Bacteria

Phylum: Proteobacteria

Class: Betaproteobacteria

Order: Nitrosomonadales

Family: Nitrosomonadaceae

Genus: Nitrosomonas

Species: N. eutropha

Species

NCBI: [1]

Nitrosomonas eutropha

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.

N. eutropha can be found in strongly eutrophic environments (those rich in organic nutrients and minerals) such as sewage disposal systems. N. eutropha also has a high tolerance for elevated ammonia concentrations. N. eutropha is able to grow anaerobically, utilizing nitrite as an electron acceptor and H2 as a reductant.

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.

Nitrosomonas eutropha usually has a pleomorphic shape, appearing to resemble the shape of a rod to a pear, with the ability to be motile and is occasionally also found in short chains. Nitrosomonas eutropha is a gram-negative betaproteobacterium and related to the better studied Nitrosomonas europaea.

Nitrosomonas eutropha primarily uses CO2 as it's carbon source. As an ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, Nitrosomonas eutropha catalyzes the oxidation of ammonia in order to meet its energy requirements for growth. The process of the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite is an importatnt part of the biogeochemical Nitrogen Cycle, resulting in the step providing to plants the nitrogen they require to carry out the cycle. As a result, Nitrosomonas eutropha is also involved with limiting CO2 fixation. Also as an ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, Nitrosomonas eutropha is believed to contribute significantly to the global production of nitrous oxide, a product of nitrite reduction.

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

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Chain, P., J. Lamerdin, F. Larimer, W. Regala, V. Lao, M. Land, L. Hauser, A. Hooper, M. Klotz, J. Norton, L. Sayavedra-Soto, D. Arciero, N. Hommes, M. Whittaker, D. Arp. 2003. "Complete genome sequence of the ammonia oxidizing bacterium and obligate chemolithoautotroph Nitrosomonas europaea". J. Bacteriol. 185: 2759-2773.

Koops H-P, Böttcher B, Möller U, Pommerening-Röser A, Stehr G. "Classification of eight new species of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria: Nitrosomonas communis sp. nov., Nitrosomonas ureae sp. nov., Nitrosomonas aestuarii sp. nov., Nitrosomonas marina sp. nov., Nitrosomonas nitrosa sp. nov., Nitrosomonas eutropha sp. nov., Nitrosomonas oligotropha sp." nov. J Gen Microbiol. 1991; 13 :1689-1699.

Edited by student David Herrera of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano