Spirulina Platensis

Contents [hide] 1 Classification 1.1 Higher order taxa 1.2 Species 2 Description and significance 3 Genome and genetics 4 Nutrition and metabolism 5 Ecology / Pathology 6 Current Research 7 References Classification

Description and significance

a. Give an introduction to the organism. Indicate the full name of the organism, what the name means, when and where it was first isolated/described, and by whom. Correctly write the binomial species name and the taxonomic designation (enter information above, including the link to the correct NCBI page(s). Abbreviate the genus name after the first usage. b. Give the morphological characteristics (cells, colonies), Gram stain (or cell wall equivalent), cellular appendages and any extracellular matrix that it secretes as well as whether or not it is motile.

Include a link if there is an existing microbewiki page for this genus (Ex. Salmonella). Genome and genetics

a. To what major branch of the prokaryotes do they belong? (see textbook or Bergey’s). List 2-3 closely related but separate species or genera of bacteria. b. Briefly describe any extra-chromosomal elements or genetic tools that are used to study the bacterium: viruses, plasmids, transposons that allow genetic manipulation and analysis. c. Has the genome or genomes been sequenced? If so, include the website for the database and one or two highlights of the genome. Also indicate genome size (base pairs), %G+C (nucleotide base composition) and number of genes, and specific genes or gene regions that are unique to this organism. If it has not been sequenced, give its closest relative that has been sequenced, its website, and some general information about the related sequence.

Example: The sequence of Haemophilus influenzae was determined using whole genome shotgun sequencing (Fleischmann et al. 1995). Nutrition and metabolism

a.Describe the growth characteristics of your bacterial species; sources of C, N, electrons; respires/ferments, uses O2, etc. b.What kinds of culture conditions (temp, pH, media) are needed for laboratory study? c.What kinds of waste, by-products, volatile compounds are generated? Ecology / Pathology

Ecology: How is your microorganism important in the ecosystem where it is found? How does it impact other organisms in the environment (could be positive or negative impact)? Pathology: How does the microbe cause disease as it interacts with the host? Describe any specific toxins or pathways that are used for invading and causing disease in the host. What treatment is used to inhibit or kill the microbe? Current Research

Describe recent research and findings that have been done with this organism. The research can be clinical, applied or basic research. This section should be based on 2 recent papers (10 years or less) and summarized in your own words. References

The format for citations and for the “References” list will follow the “Citation—Name” Council of Science Editors (CSE) format, as the suggested formatting method listed on the MicrobeWiki Home page. The reference list will be numbered based on an alphabetical list of the first author’s last name. A style guide for the CSE format can be found here: http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/DocCSE_CitationSystems.html.

Authored by KAM Estes, a student of CJ Funk at John Brown University Categories: Uncurated Pages Pages edited by students of CJ Funk at John Brown University