Pseudomonas syringae: Bioprecipitation Mechanisms and Implications

This is a curated page. Report corrections to Microbewiki.

Overview

By Brandon Byrd

Pseudomonas syringae have a significant impact on weather systems and ecosystems worldwide. This bacteria has previously been studied in depth as a plant pathogen, and it has recently been studied as a major contributor to bioprecipitation. P.syringae are rod shaped, gram-negative bacteria with polar flagella that is a plant pathogen to a wide variety of plant species at cold temperatures (Morris et al 2008). This bacteria is found in agricultural locations as well as non-agricultural locations such as clouds (Morris et al 2008). The fact that it has the capability to grow in a wide range of environments and ecosystems gives this bacteria the potential to drastically impact biogeographical systems. P.syringae also has an extraordinary ice nucleation activity which allows this bacteria to catalyze freezing water at warm temperatures which sparked interest in its role in the water cycle (Maki et al 1974). This is a major key for P.syringae’s effect on biogeographical systems. It is also important to further analyze their ice nucleation ability to understand the mechanisms in which they influence major weather systems such as the water cycle. Furthermore, how P.syringae can impact humans and biodiversity based on their influence on ecosystems and the environment.

History

Fig 1. Scanning Electron Microscopy of Pseudomonas syringae on an ovary of a tomato plant. P.syringae is rod shaped, gram-negative, and has polar flagella. http://www.apsnet.org/publications/phytopathology/backissues/Documents/1983Articles/Phyto73n01_39.PDF.

.

Every point of information REQUIRES CITATION using the citation tool shown above.

Bioprecipitation and P.syringae’s Role in Bioprecipitation

Fig.2 The bioprecipitation cycle diagram with two key factors that highlight the system. First, micro-organisms such as P.syringae that conduct the ice nucleation process. Second, the water vapor from plants, oceans, and aquatic environments that these micro-organism use in the atmosphere. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.12447/epdf.

Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

Mechanisms for Ice Nucleation

Fig.3 Ice nucleation activity of P.synerigae cells in the inner and outer membrane at varying temperatures. Different shapes indicate different treatments with varying concentrations of InaZ protein and InaZ protein enhanced E.coli membranes. http://www.pnas.org/content/83/19/7256.full.pdf.

Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

Ecological Implications of
P.syringae Bioprecipitation

Fig 4. The “Nitrogen Triangle” breaking down the three major parts of the nitrogen cycle. Also the important molecules at each step are included. http://slideplayer.com/slide/7448073/.

Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.

References

Authored for BIOL 238 Microbiology, taught by Joan Slonczewski, 2016, Kenyon College.