Ralstonia eutropha
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Ralstonia eutropha
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Betaproteobacteria; Burkholderiales; Burkholderiaceae; Cupriavidus/Ralstonia/Wautersia
Species
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NCBI: [1] |
Ralstonia eutropha (synonyms are Cupriavidus necator and Wautersia eutropha); Strains identified are Ralstonia eutropha JMP 134, Ralstonia eutropha H850, Ralstonia eutropha H16
Description and significance
Thermoplasma volcanium can be isolated from coal refuse piles, solfatara fields, and hot springs. This microbe is thermophilic and acidophilic. It lives in a high temperature environment in the range of 33˚C to 67˚C with the optimum at 60˚C. Even though it survives at this high temperature, it is still the lowest among archaea. Additionally, it only survives in acidic environment with pH between 1.0 and 4.0, with the optimum at pH of 2.0. Thermoplasma cells lyse at neutral pH. Research has shown that Thermoplasma volcanium may be the host cell of the endosymbrosis theory of eukaryotic cells. Hence, the genome is sequenced to confirm this hypothesis.
Genome structure
Thermoplasma volcanium has a circular DNA with 1,584,804 nucleotides. It does not contain any plasmids. However, it possesses about 70 proteins not found in any other archaea’s genome.
Cell structure and metabolism
This microbe has a unique cell membrane that contains tetraether lipids. It lacks any kind of cell wall, which causes it to have irregular shapes and is capable of assuming different shapes. The microbe uses multiple flagella for high motility. Thermoplasma volcanium is heterotrophic and therefore requires it to obtain nutrients from other organisms especially those who cannot survive in acidic or high temperature environments. Depending on its living conditions, the microbe is both anaerobic and aerobic. It is anaerobic in the presence of elemental sulfur.
Ecology
Due to its evolutionary ties to eukaryotes, Thermoplasma genus can be used as model organism for researches.
Pathology
There is no known pathogen among different strains of Ralstonia eutropha.
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
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
