Clostridium thermocellum
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Clostridium thermocellum
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Firmicutes; Clostridia; Clostridiales; Clostridiaceae
Species
Clostridium thermocellum
NCBI: Taxonomy |
Description and significance
Like most species from the Clostridium genus, Clostridium thermocellum is a bacteria that has a rod-like shape for its cell body. It is classified as a gram-positive bacteria which means that the cell body is only surrounded by a single bilayer lipid membrane. Because it is a gram-positive bacterium, the outside of the cell membrane also contains a thick cell wall also known as the murein, which is made of peptidoglycans. This organism is generally considered thermophilic because it mainly thrives in high temperature environments. C. thermocellum is a spore-forming anaerobe which has its genome completely sequenced because it contains a unique extracellular enzyme system capable of breaking down insoluble cellulose compounds which is vital for biomass energy.
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
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?
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 Kenny Lam