Aliivibrio fischeri
Classification
Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Gammaproteobacteria; Vibrionales; Vibrionaceae
Species
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Aliivibrio fischeri
Description and Significance
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why you think it is important. Aliivibrio fischeri is a rod-shaped, bio-luminescent bacteria that can be found in marine environments. While free-floating, A. fischeri appears as a flagellate; however, once in symbiosis with other organisms, the flagella is lost.
A. fischeri plays a vital role in the development of the Hawaiian Bobtail squid in a mutualistic symbiosis in which the squid gains bioluminescence and protection from colonization of harmful organisms and A. fischeri gains a host and resources.
Additionally, A. fischeri has been used as a potential biosensor for heavy metal detection, in which A. fischeri has levels of detection as low as 6.4 μg/L (Futra 2014).
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
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
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.
While symbiosis can occur with various species of marine life, A. fischeri is most notable for its relationship with the Hawaiian Bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes in which the bacteria's bioluminescent properties can be observed.
References
Author
Page authored by Alexandria Reyes, student of Prof. Jay Lennon at IndianaUniversity.
