Thermobifida fusca
Classification
Higher order taxa
cellular organisms; Bacteria; Actinobacteria; Actinobacteridae; Actinomycetales; Streptosporangineae; Nocardiopsaceae; Thermobifida fusca
Genus
Thermobifida
Description and significance
Thermobifida fusca, formerly known as Thermomonaspora fusca, is a rod shaped, thermophilic organism found in decaying organic matter and is a major degrader of plant cell wall (1, 2). Its preferred habitat are compost heaps, rotting hay, manure piles, or mushroom growth medium because these are self-heated organic materials that can reach Thermobifida fusca’s growth temperature of 55ºC (2). The genus Thermobifida comprises of 2 members, the other being Thermobifida alba (1). Both members of the genus are acid fast, Gram-positive aerobic organisms (1). It is important to map out the entire genome of this organism because of its biotechnological uses. The organism produces multiple extracellular enzymes including cellulases that are responsible for the decomposition of cellulose and lignocellulose residues, which is important for the breakdown of agricultural and urban wastes (1).
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?
Bacillus Licheniformis is a Gram positive, thermophillic bacterium. Its optimal growth temperature is 50°C, but it can also survive at much higher temperatures. Its optimal temperature for
Cell structure and metabolism
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Ecology
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Pathology
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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 Michael Zhang, student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano at UCSD.
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
