Brucella abortus
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Brucella abortus
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Alphaproteobacteria; Rhizobiales; Brucellaceae [Others may be used. Use NCBI link to find]
Species
NCBI: Taxonomy |
Brucella abortus
Description and significance
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.
Genome structure
The B. abortus genome contains 2 circular DNA chromosomes. The first chromosome is 2,124,241 nucleotides long and codes for 2200 genes. The second chromosome is 1,162,204 nucleotides long and codes for 1156 genes. The genome has a GC content of 57%, and 81% of the genome is a coding region (10). This pathogen is different from many in that it does not contain any plasmids or genomic islands that relate to pathogenicity within its genome (5). In addition to lacking these two features, the genome also lack many other genes that code for common virulence factors including “capsules, fimbriae, exotoxins, cytolysins, resistance forms, antigenic variation, plasmids, or lysogenic phages” (1). The genes that do encode for virulence in are being examined but they are not well enough understood to say for sure what the mode of virulence is for this intracellular pathogen (5).
Cell structure and metabolism
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.
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
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano