Synechococcus elongatus
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Synechococcus elongatus
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Cyanobacteria; Chroococcales; Synechococcus
Species
Synechococcus elongatus
Description and significance
The genus Synechococcus encompasses cyanobacteria in both freshwater and marine environments. In the typical marine environment, they are approximately responsible for 25% of the primary production, making them one of the most significant photosynthetic bacteria (6). In eutrophic habitats or habitats with high nutrients, blooms of cyanobacteria can occur, producing harmful neurotoxins that effect the nerve cells of other organisms (4). Synechococcus elongatus is a freshwater unicellular cyanobacterium. Cyanobacteria, sometimes referred to as blue-green algae, are prokaryotes that are able to obtain their energy through photosynthesis. Synechococcus elongatus has a rod-shaped appearance and is oligotrophic, having the ability to survive in freshwater environments with low nutrients. Living habitats include freshwater hot springs and other freshwater habitats preferably with a mesophilic or moderate temperature range (9). Geitler first identified Synechococcus elongatus in Germany during the year 1925. Later, Frenkel et. al. in 1950 discovered Synechococcus elongatus in small rain-filled pools on Angelica Rock, located in Massachusetts. Frenkel and his colleagues took a suspension of the water and identified the blue-green algae as Synechococcus elongatus. They cultured Synechococcus elongatus and ran tests to confirm its ability to photosynthesize (1). Currently, two complete Synechococcus elongatus (previously known as Anacystis nidulans) genomes have been sequenced, Synechococcus elongatus PCC 6301 and Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942.
Genome structure
Synechococcus elongatus has one circular chromosome with two plasmids. Two genomic strains of this cyanobacteria have been sequenced: Synechococcus elongatus PCC 6301 and Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. The genome of Synechococcus elongatus PC 6301 consists of a circular chromosome 2, 696, 255 bp long.
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
Synechococcus elongatus are gram negative cyanobacteria. They do not have flagella or clilia, but are still able to move in their aquatic habitat. They are oxygenic photoautotrophs. (Further elaboration will be provided soon).
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Ecology
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Pathology
Synechococcus elongatus is currently not known to cause any diseases.
Application to Biotechnology
Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?
Current Research
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