Gloeobacter violaceus
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Gloeobacter violaceus
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Cyanobacteria; Cyanophyceae; Chroococcales; Gloeobacteraceae
Species
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Violaceus
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. Gloeobacter Violaceus is a rod-shape unicellular cyanobacterium that has been isolated from calcareous rocks in Switzerland (Nakamura et al, 2003). It is sensitive to strong light and is also a photoautotroph that contains chlorophyll a, caarotenoids, and phycobiliproteins. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of gloeobacter violaceus has revealed that this linage has diverged from other cyanobacteria and also, that it possesses oxygenic photosynthesis characteristics. Another distinct quality of gloeobacter violaceus is that its' composition of fatty acids is different because it has a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). A large content of PUFA is unusual for because it was thought that instead there should be a larger composition of (sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol SQDG) to ensure photosystem stabilization.
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. Gloeobacter Violaceus is unicellular organism that exhibits atypical characteristics compared to other cyanobacterium. Its unusual characteristic is the lack of an internal thylakoid membrane system (Rippka et al. 1974). The rod shaped phycobilisomes of this organism are heavily packed and attach to the plasmic surface of they cytoplasmic membrane. The cell walls of gloeobacter violaceus are comprised of multiple layers. Starting from the exterior of the cell wall there is a sheath layer, then a double tracked structured outer membrane, intermediate cell wall layer that is electron dense, then lastly, a electron dense peptidoglycan layer.
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 student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
