Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum

Classification

Domain (Bacteria); Super Phylum (Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria group); Phylum (Acidobacteria); Class (Acidobacteria); Order (Acidobacteriales); family (Acidobacteriaceae)

Species

NCBI: Taxonomy

Genus species

Description and Significance

A novel photosynthesizing bacterium named as 'Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum' has been recently (2007) discovered in Yellowstone’s hot springs by a collaborative research between Pennsylvania State University and Montana State University.[1] The research was funded by National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and the NASA Exobiology Program.

Till date, only five groups or phyla of photosynthetic microorganisms(Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi, Chlorobi, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes) are known. Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum is considered to be a part of Acidobacteria phylum, which were not having any photosynthetic microorganim. It is said that 'This is only the third time in the last 100 years that a new group of phototrophs has been discovered'.[3]

The researchers have found this novel bacterium in three hot springs (Mushroom Spring, Octopus Spring, Green Finger Pool) in Yellowstone National Park. It resides with the microbial mats at moderately high temperature (50-66 degree celsius) and in alkaline environment (pH 8.5).The 16S rDNA analysis shows the relative microorganims to Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum also exist in hot springs in Tibet and Thailand and is expected to have high diversity and complex ecology.[1]

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.

References

[1] Donald A. Bryant, Amaya M. Garcia Costas,Julia A. Maresca,Aline Gomez Maqueo Chew,Christian G. Klatt,Mary M. Bateson,Luke J. Tallon, Jessica Hostetler, William C. Nelson,John F. Heidelberg, David M. Ward. "Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum: An Aerobic Phototrophic Acidobacterium". " Science". 2007. Volume 317. p. 523 - 526

[2] D. A. Bryant, N.-U. Frigaard. "Prokaryotic photosynthesis and phototrophy illuminated". "Trends Microbiology". 2006. Volume 14. p. 488-496

[3] http://www.bmb.psu.edu/faculty/bryant/lab/Project/Acido/index.html

Author

Page authored by Ahmad Farhan and Anadumaka V. Chike, student of Prof. Jay Lennon at Michigan State University.