Agrobacterium rhizogenes
This Funk Microbial Biorealm Genus template page is a guide for each student when creating and adding an entirely new species to MicrobeWiki. COPY AND PASTE this entire template (below) to set up a new page for a new species entry, then begin to fill in and edit the page. State at the bottom of the page that the page is "Authored by [your Student Name]" in front of "a student of CJ Funk at John Brown University".
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria (Domain); Proteobacteria (Phylum); Alphaproteobacteria (Class); Rhizobiales (Order); Rhizobiaceae (Family); Agrobacterium (Genus).
Species
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NCBI: [1] |
Agrobacterium rhizogenes
Agrobacterium rhizogenes is a gram negative, rod-shaped (0.6-1.0 x 1.5-3.0 µm), aerobic soil-borne bacteria that occurs singly or in pairs and is motile by 1-4 peritrichous flagella (1). Culturing techniques require the optimal temperature for growth of 25-28oC. Colony morphology will include convex, circular and smooth characteristics, while color will be nonpigmented to light beige (1). The origin of the word rhizogenes comes from the Greek roots rhiza a root and gennao to make, thus meaning a root-producing bacteria (2). This bacterial species was first isolated by Riker et al in 1930 (1).
A. rhizogenes is known for its ability to induce tumors and hairy roots in the event of wounding and infection which lead to the Hairy Root Syndrome (2) and are commonly found in the nodules of leguminous plants (3). Tumor induction is correlated with the presence of a large tumor inducing plasmid (Ti-plasmid) and hairy root is associated with a Ri plasmid. Its Ri plasmid, containing t-DNA is responsible for the introduction of genetic material into host plant cells (3). Due to this, it is used worldwide for a variety of purposes such as recombinant protein production and metabolic engineering (3).
Genome and genetics
a. To what major branch of the prokaryotes do they belong? (see textbook or Bergey’s). List 2-3 closely related but separate species or genera of bacteria.
b. Briefly describe any extra-chromosomal elements or genetic tools that are used to study the bacterium: viruses, plasmids, transposons that allow genetic manipulation and analysis.
c. Has the genome or genomes been sequenced? If so, include the website for the database and one or two highlights of the genome. Also indicate genome size (base pairs), %G+C (nucleotide base composition) and number of genes, and specific genes or gene regions that are unique to this organism. If it has not been sequenced, give its closest relative that has been sequenced, its website, and some general information about the related sequence.
Example: The sequence of Haemophilus influenzae was determined using whole genome shotgun sequencing (Fleischmann et al. 1995).
Nutrition and metabolism
a.Describe the growth characteristics of your bacterial species; sources of C, N, electrons; respires/ferments, uses O2, etc.
b.What kinds of culture conditions (temp, pH, media) are needed for laboratory study?
c.What kinds of waste, by-products, volatile compounds are generated?
Ecology / Pathology
Ecology: How is your microorganism important in the ecosystem where it is found? How does it impact other organisms in the environment (could be positive or negative impact)?
Pathology: How does the microbe cause disease as it interacts with the host? Describe any specific toxins or pathways that are used for invading and causing disease in the host. What treatment is used to inhibit or kill the microbe?
Current Research
Describe recent research and findings that have been done with this organism. The research can be clinical, applied or basic research. This section should be based on 2 recent papers (10 years or less) and summarized in your own words.
References
1. Brenner, DJ., Krieg, NR., Staley, JT,. "Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology Second Edition". Vol.2. Springer. 2005. 340-345.
2. Nachimas, A.; Strobel, G.A. "Agrobacterium rhizogenes promotes the initial growth of bare root stock almond." Microbiology. 1985. 131: 1245–1249.
3. Ron M, Kajala K, Pauluzzi G, Wang D, Reynoso MA, Zumstein K, Garcha J,Winte S, Masson H, Inagaki S, Federici F, Sinha NR, Deal R, Bailey-Serres J, Brady SM. "Hairy root transformation using Agrobacterium rhizogenes as a tool for exploring cell type-specific gene expression and function using tomato as a model." Plant Physiol. 2014. 166:455–469.
Authored by [Isaac Tamez Salazar], a student of CJ Funk at John Brown University
