Lactobacillus sakei
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Lactobacillus sakei
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Firmicutes; Lactobacillales; Lactobacillaceae; Lactobacillus
Genus
Genus: Lactobacillus; Species: sakei
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Description and significance
Lactobacillus sakei is a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium commonly found living on fresh meat and fish. This bacterium is valuable in the fermentation of meat products as well as exhibits properties that allow for better preservation and storage of fresh meats and fish (5). It is the predominant bacteria used for meat fermentation in Europe, whereas Pediococcus pentosaceus tends to be widely used in the United States (5). Lactobacillus sakei took its name from rice alcohol, or sake, which was the product that it was first described in (5).
Sequencing Lactobacillus sakei’s genome was important in determining how this bacterium is so well adapted to meat. A team of INRA (Institut National de La Recherche Agronomique) researchers was able to determine its genome and found that its effectiveness in fermentation and food storage is indicative of its ability to sustain life even under challenging environmental conditions, its ability to produce toxics to kill other bacteria, and its capability to use nutrients in meat for self growth (5).
Genome structure
The entire genome of Lactobacillus sakei strain 23K was determined to be a circular chromosome containing 1,884,661 base pairs. “The genome consisted of 1,883 protein genes, seven rRNA gene clusters, and had a G + C content of 41.25% that appears to be uneven along the chromosome (1).”
Cell structure and metabolism
Although raw meat provides Lactobacillus sakei nutrients for growth, it contains limited amounts of carbohydrates. Out of the few sugars found in meat and raw fish, Lactobacillus sakei can utilize only glucose and ribose (7). It is no surprise that upon examination of its genome, very small transport systems are present for sugar uptake (1). Because sugars are rapidly exhausted in meat, Lactobacillus sakei is also able to catabolize nucleosides such as inosine and adenosine for energy source (1).
Ecology
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Pathology
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Application to Biotechnology
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Current Research
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References
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
