Rhodotorula glutinis
1. Classification
a. Higher order taxa
Eukaryota; Fungi; Microbotryomycetes; Sporidiobolales; Sporidiobolaceae; Rhodotorula Include this section if your Wiki page focuses on a specific taxon/group of organisms
2. Description and significance
Rhodotorula glutinis, also known as “red yeast” (1), is a species of fungus in the Sporidiobolaceae family that is commonly found in the environment and on human skin (2). It has pink and red colonies due to its ability to produce red-orange carotenoid pigments (3). The species has been the focus of attention in the medical field, as it can persist on plastic surfaces, such as catheters, and potentially cause sepsis in immunocompromised patients (4). Current research focuses on the industrial significance of R. glutinis, including its ability to produce carotenoids, act as a biocatalyst, and aid in biofuel production (3, 5-6). Research suggests that R. glutinis can sustainably produce biofuel precursors from industrial and organic waste, but questions still remain about the cost-effectiveness of large-scale biofuel production utilizing R. glutinis (7, 8).
3. 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?
4. Cell structure
Interesting features of cell structure. Can be combined with “metabolic processes”
5. Metabolic processes
Describe important sources of energy, electrons, and carbon (i.e. trophy) for the organism/organisms you are focusing on, as well as important molecules it/they synthesize(s).
6. Ecology
Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.
7. Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
8. Current Research
Include information about how this microbe (or related microbes) are currently being studied and for what purpose
9. References
It is required that you add at least five primary research articles (in same format as the sample reference below) that corresponds to the info that you added to this page. [Sample reference] Faller, A., and Schleifer, K. "Modified Oxidase and Benzidine Tests for Separation of Staphylococci from Micrococci". Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 1981. Volume 13. p. 1031-1035.
