User:DiekhoffB
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria (Domain); Firmicutes (Phylum); Bacilli (Class); Lactobacillales (Order); Streptococcaceae (Family)
Species
NCBI: Taxonomy |
Streptococcus mutans
Description and significance
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why you think it is important.
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?
Cell structure and metabolism
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
Being a bacteria that causes cavities, S. mutans dwells in the mouths of humans where it creates plaque. The amount of S. mutans in the human mouth ranges from about 30 - 60% of the total bacteria present on all surfaces in the mouth.
Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.
Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Current Research and or Application to Biotechnology
Enter summaries of the most recent research and/or application to biotechnology here--at least three required
References
Edited by student of Dr. Lynn M Bedard, DePauw University http://www.depauw.edu