Syntrophomonas wolfei
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Syntrophomonas wolfei
Classification
Higher order taxa
Domain; Phylum; Class; Order; family
Bacteria; Firmicutes; Clostridia; Clostridiales; Syntrophomonadaceae; Syntrophomonas; Syntrophomonas wolfei; Syntrophomonas wolfei subsp. wolfei (NCBI)
Species
Syntrophomonas wolfei
NCBI: Taxonomy |
Genus species
Description and significance
S.Wolfei is a syntrophic organism (with for example Methanobacterium formicicum). Since, the organism was not able to grow under sterile conditions; it is obligatorily syntrophic.
The importance of this organism is in its ability to B-oxidize fatty acids which is utilized in bioremediation. (see Ecology)
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.
Genome structure
2845 Kb (genamics.com from GOLD) 2,936,195 nt (ncbi) circular 2643 genes with 5045 proteins The genome sequence is currently being determined. Phylum Firmicutes indicates high or low GC content.
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
S. Wolfei is classified under the Phylum Firmicutes, gram-negative bacteria.The existence of the gram negative multi layer was elucidated with growth inhibition by penicillin and increased sensitivity to lysis when treated with lysozyme. It takes a slightly helical shape with two to eight flagella attached to the concave side of the cell. Anaerobic metabolism.
"Syntrophomonas wolfei subsp. wolfei grew poorly in a defined medium with crotonate as the energy source in the absence of rumen fluid. Thiamine, lipoic acid, biotin, cyanocobalamin, and para-aminobenzoic acid were required for growth comparable to that obtained with the rumen fluid-based medium. Iron and cobalt were also required for the growth of S. wolfei in the chemically defined medium." (Beaty PS, McInerney MJ.)
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
Syntrophic organism.
Spore forming. Subspecies differ in utilization of substrates (i.e. Syntrophomonas wolfei subsp. methylbutyratica). Contribute to break down of saturated fatty acids 4-8 carbons long.
Utilized for degradation of contaminants for bioremediation.
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
This Article
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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1981 April; 41(4): 1029-1039
Syntrophomonas wolfei gen. nov. sp. nov., an Anaerobic, Syntrophic, Fatty Acid-Oxidizing Bacterium
M. J. McInerney1,2,, M. P. Bryant1,2, R. B. Hespell1 and J. W. Costerton3
Beaty PS, McInerney MJ, "Applied and Enviromental microbiology". 1990 Oct;56(10):3223-3224.
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano