Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum: Difference between revisions
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==Description and Significance== | ==Description and Significance== | ||
[[Image:Octopus_spring.jpg|thumbnail|200px|Figure1.A:Colorful microbial mats in Octopus Spring in Yellowstone National Park, B Cross-section of | [[Image:Octopus_spring.jpg|thumbnail|200px|Figure1.A:Colorful microbial mats in Octopus Spring in Yellowstone National Park, B Cross-section of microbial mat]]. | ||
A novel photosynthesizing bacterium named as 'Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum' (Cab. thermophium) has been recently (2007) discovered in Yellowstone’s hot springs by a collaborative research between Pennsylvania State University and Montana State University.The research was funded by National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and the NASA Exobiology Program.[1] | A novel photosynthesizing bacterium named as 'Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum' (Cab. thermophium) has been recently (2007) discovered in Yellowstone’s hot springs by a collaborative research between Pennsylvania State University and Montana State University.The research was funded by National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and the NASA Exobiology Program.[1] | ||
Revision as of 07:30, 3 March 2008
Classification
Domain (Bacteria); Super Phylum (Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria group); Phylum (Acidobacteria); Class (Acidobacteria); Order (Acidobacteriales); Family (Acidobacteriaceae); Genus (Candidatus Chloracidobacterium)
Species
Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum
Description and Significance
.
A novel photosynthesizing bacterium named as 'Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum' (Cab. thermophium) has been recently (2007) discovered in Yellowstone’s hot springs by a collaborative research between Pennsylvania State University and Montana State University.The research was funded by National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and the NASA Exobiology Program.[1]
The researchers have found the genetic evidence of this novel bacterium in three hot springs (Mushroom Spring, Octopus Spring, Green Finger Pool) in Yellowstone National Park. It resides in the phototropic microbial mats at moderately high temperature (50-66 degree celsius) and in alkaline environment (pH 8.5).Based on phylogenetic analysis (16S rRNA), it is considered to be a member of the Acidobacteria phylum, which did not previously contain any phototrophs. In addition, it showed that microorganisms closely related to Cab.thermophilum also exist in hot springs in Tibet and Thailand and is expected to have high diversity and complex ecology.[1] It is said that 'This is only the third time in the last 100 years that a new group of phototrophs has been discovered'.[2]
Till date, chlorophyll based phototrophy is known to be present in only five groups or phyla of photosynthetic microorganisms (Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi, Chlorobi, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes).[3] These phototropic microorganisms contain specific type of photosnthetic pigments (bacteriochlorophylls) to absorb specific wavelengths of light and differ in the type of molecular funtions for the conversion of light into chemical energy. Different groups of phototropic microorganisms contain different types of bacteriochlorophylls.[4] For example Bacteriochlorophyll a-Purple bacteria, "Cab.thermophilum" :Bacteriochlorophyll b-Purple bacteria :Bacteriochlorophyll c-Green sulfur bacteria,Chloroflexi, "Cab.thermophilum" :Bacteriochlorophyll d-Green sulfur bacteria :Bacteriochlorophyll e-Green sulfur bacteria :Bacteriochlorophyll g-Heliobacteria
Cab.thermophimum has light harvesting antennae (chlorosomes), where each chlorosomes contains 250,000 chlorophylls. Cab.thermophimum synthesizes chlorosomes to form bacteriochlorophylls a and c under oxic conditions unlike the anoxic conditions in other phototrops. The biochemical analysis of chlorosomes have shown the presence of ketocarotenoids, similiar to Cyanobacteria, which may have the role in photo protection under the oxic conditions. Further ongoing characterization (biochemical and genome sequencing) at Pennsylvania State University and Montana State University will elucidate the role and diversity of this novel bacterium.
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.
Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum is a Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium. It is 2.5 microns long and about 0.7 microns in diameter.
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] http://www.bmb.psu.edu/faculty/bryant/lab/Project/Acido/index.html
[2] D. A. Bryant, N.-U. Frigaard. "Prokaryotic photosynthesis and phototrophy illuminated". "Trends Microbiology". 2006. Volume 14. p. 488-496
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteriochlorophyll
Author
Page authored by Ahmad Farhan and Anadumaka V. Chike, student of Prof. Jay Lennon at Michigan State University.
