Arthrospira platensis
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Arthrospira platensis
Classification
Higher order taxa
Domain: Bacteria Phylum: Cyanobacteria Class: Cyanophyceae Order: Oscillatoriales Family: Phormidiaceae
Species
Genus: Arthrospira species: platensis
Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis; A. platensis
Description and significance
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why you think it is important.
Genome structure
In March 2010, A. platensis became the first filamentous, non-N2-fixing cyanobacterium to have its genome sequenced and published(1). The genome consists of a single, circular chromosome and was found to be 6.8Mb in size with 44.3% G-C cotent(1). There were 6630 protein-coding genes detected, as well as 49 RNA genes, including 2 sets of rRNA genes and 40 tRNA genes(1). When looked at in its entirety, 78% of the species' genes showed similarity to genes with known function in other organisms, while 22% of the genome is made up of unknown genes(1).
Cell structure and metabolism
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.
Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Current Research
Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required
Cool Factor
Describe something you fing "cool" about this microbe.
References
Edited by student of Iris Keren NEUF2011
