Thermobifida fusca
Classification
Higher order taxa
cellular organisms; Bacteria; Actinobacteria; Actinobacteridae; Actinomycetales; Streptosporangineae; Nocardiopsaceae; Thermobifida fusca
Genus
Thermobifida
Description and significance
Thermobifida fusca, formerly known as Thermomonaspora fusca, is a rod shaped, thermophilic organism found in decaying organic matter and is a major degrader of plant cell wall (1, 2). Its preferred habitat are compost heaps, rotting hay, manure piles, or mushroom growth medium because these are self-heated organic materials that can reach Thermobifida fusca’s growth temperature of 55ºC (2). The genus Thermobifida comprises of 2 members, the other being Thermobifida alba (1). Both members of the genus are acid fast, Gram-positive aerobic organisms (1). It is important to map out the entire genome of this organism because of its biotechnological uses. The organism produces multiple extracellular enzymes including cellulases that are responsible for the decomposition of cellulose and lignocellulose residues, which is important for the breakdown of agricultural and urban wastes (1).
Genome structure
Thermobifida fusca “has a single circular chromosome of 3,642,249 bp predicted to encode 3,110 proteins and 65 RNA species with a coding density of 85%” (4). There are also other enzymes such as glycosyl hydrolases as well as cellulases and xylanases that are necessary for the degradation of plant cell walls (4). T. fusca has a 67.5% G-C content which is expected for an organism that can survive in high temperatures and a wide pH range from 4 to 10 (2).
Cell structure and metabolism
Actinomycetes generally grow as branched aerial hyphae which help the organism in the penetration and degradation of insoluble substrates such as lignocellulose (1). Thermobifida fusca do not have flagella or pili. Their cell wall contains two teichoic acids made of poly(glycerol phosphate) (6). “Cell-wall analysis revealed the presence of meso-diaminopimelic acid, but no other characteristic amino acids or sugars in the murein.” (3) It also has an endospore, which help it to survive in the rough environment for long periods of time (1).
Ecology
Thermobifida fusca is usually in the “presence of abundant plant materials and other bio-polymer substrates of natural origin.” (1) T. fusca contributes to the environment by decomposing organic matter such as rotting hay, compost, manure or urban waste piles. There are also other thermophilic actinomycetes that share its natural habitat (1).
Pathology
The actinobacterium produces spores that can be allergenic in humans and cause a respiratory condition called farmer’s lung disease and mushroom worker’s disease (2). Farmer’s lung disease and mushroom worker’s disease are examples of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an inflammation of the alveoli within the lungs caused by inhaled organic dusts. These diseases usually develop in agricultural workers who breathe in large amounts of actinomycete spores (1).
Application to Biotechnology
Thermobifida fusca produces multiple extracellular enzymes including cellulases that are responsible for the decomposition of cellulose and lignocellulose residues, which make up the bulk of agricultural and urban wastes (1). T. fusca is important for waste remediation because they can degrade all major plant cell wall polymers except lignin and pectin (2). The cellulose-decomposing capabilities of this organism are of importance in establishing safe biotechnological processes (1). There is also good potential for use in the wood and paper industry (1). Cellulases are being studied for their “thermostability, broad pH range (4-10), and high activity.” (2)
Current Research
Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required
References
Edited by Michael Zhang, student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano at UCSD.
|
NCBI: Taxonomy |
