Template:Genus larsen
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria;Proteobacteria;Alphaproteobacteria;Rhizobiales;Bradyrhizobiaceae;Nitrobacter
Genus
Nitrobacter winogradskyi
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Description and significance
They live together with the ammonia oxidisers. They are present in many soils, natural stones as well as fresh or brackish waters. The presence of organic materials often selects for the facultatively lithotrophic Nitrobacter species.
Nitrobacter winogradsky can be found living in many soils, natural stones as well as both fresh water and salt water. They have many differing rod shaped cells which divide through polar swelling. It contains an asymmetrical membrane system, carboxysomes along with intracellular inclusion bodies. It can grow in both aerobic and anarobic conditions with nitrate as its electron acceptor.
It is important to sequence the genome of Nitrobacter winogradskyi to see the relation between itself and other bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle to improve nitrogen management.
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
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
Nitrobacter winogradskyi are gram negative bacteria which play a key role in the nitrogen cycle by converting nitrite to nitrate. It derives its energy through nitrite oxidation and carbon dioxide fixation, which it can do simultaniously, thus acting as a chemolithoautotroph. In the absence of nitrite it uses soley carbon sources and acts as a chemoorganoheterotroph. Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
It interacts with ammonium oxidizing bacteria which also plays a key role in the nitrogen cycle. Ammonium oxidizing bacteria inititaites nitrification, in which nitrite is the end product. Nitrobacter winogradskyi then proceeds to oxidize nitrite to nitrate. 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
example: http://genome.jgi-psf.org/finished_microbes/nitwi/nitwi.home.html
http://www.microbionet.com.au/nwinogradskyi.htm
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
