Trichodesmium erythraeum
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Trichodesmium erythraeum
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Cyanobacteria; Oscillatoriales; Trichodesmium; Trichodesmium erythraeum
Species
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Genus species
Description and significance
Tricodesmium is a genus of cyanobacteria that is found in tropical and subtropical ocean waters with low nutrient levels. This genus is of great interest because it has been found to contribute over 40% of all nitrogen fixation that occurs in the ocean. In addition, there has been evidence that Trichodesmium blossoms can have a toxic effect on invertebrates and humans. Trichodesmium erythraeum is one of the two species of the Trichodesmium genus and occur as filaments of 20-200 cells. These filaments often congregate to form larger colonies that can be seen by the naked eye.
Genome structure
Has a circular genome that is 7750108 nucleotides long. This includes 4451 genes and 48 RNA genes.
Cell structure and metabolism
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
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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
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References
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
