Nitrosopumilus adriaticus
Classification
Domain Archaea; Kingdom Thermoproteati; Phylum Nitrososphaerota; Class Nitrososphaeria; Family Nitrosopumilales; Order Nitrosopumilaceae; Genus Nitrosopumilus
Species
Nitrosopumilus adriaticus (also known as strain NF5)
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, Metabolism and Life Cycle
- Nitrosopumilus adriaticus* is a small, ammonia-consuming archaeon. It ranges from 0.5-0.7µm in length and is rod-shaped. They lack a flagella, due to their adaptation to a less mobile, niche-specific environment.
- N. adriaticus* has adapted to nutrient-poor marine environments, such as the Adriatic Sea, where it was first isolated. It serves an important function within these ecosystems, participating in the nitrogen cycle by converting ammonia (NH3) into nitrite (NO2-), which provides energy for metabolism. This function is essential for nitrogen availability in these systems, as it affects nitrogen's bioavailability, a key nutrient for marine life. In addition to supplying accessible nitrogen to systems, it regulates ammonia levels, preventing toxicity in aquatic environments, and supports the growth of other organisms dependent on nitrogen compounds.
Ecology and Pathogenesis
Habitat; symbiosis; biogeochemical significance; contributions to environment.
If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
References
Author
Page authored by _____, _____, _____, & _____, students of Prof. Bradley Tolar at UNC Wilmington.
