Trichodesmium erythraeum

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Trichodesmium erythraeum

Classification

Higher order taxa

Bacteria; Cyanobacteria; Oscillatoriales; Trichodesmium; Trichodesmium erythraeum

Species

NCBI: Taxonomy

Genus species

Description and significance

Tricodesmium is a genus of cyanobacteria that is found in tropical and subtropical ocean waters with low nutrient levels. This genus is of great interest because it has been found to contribute over 40% of all nitrogen fixation that occurs in the ocean. In addition, there has been evidence that Trichodesmium blossoms can have a toxic effect on invertebrates and humans. Trichodesmium erythraeum is one of the two species of the Trichodesmium genus and occur as filaments of 20-200 cells. These filaments often congregate to form larger colonies that can be seen by the naked eye.

Genome structure

Has a circular genome that is 7750108 nucleotides long. This includes 4451 genes and 48 RNA genes.

Cell structure and metabolism

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology

Trichodesumium erythraeum is found in tropical and subtropical ocean waters. It combines with Trichodesmium thiebautii to form blossoms which have been found to be toxic to various invertebrates as well as humans. Despite it’s toxic effects, this the Trichodesumium genus is important and necessary to the environment because it is a major contributor to nitrogen fixation.

Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

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

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Karl, D., A. Michaels, B. Bergman, D. Capone, E. Carpenter, R. Letelier, F. Lipschultz, H. Paerl, D. Sigman, and L. Stal. 2002. Dinitrogen fixation in the world's oceans. Biogeochemistry 57:-58:47-98.

Van Baalen C, Brown RM Jr. 1969. The ultrastructure of the marine blue green alga, Trichodesmium erythraeum, with special reference to the cell wall, gas vacuoles, and cylindrical bodies. Arch Mikrobiol. 69(1):79-91

Edited by Tara Tsukamoto student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano