Corynebacterium glutamicum

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Corynebacterium glutamicum

Classification

Higher order taxa

Bacteria; Actinobacteria; Actinobacteria; Actinomycetales; Corynebacteriaceae

Species

Corynebacterium glutamicum

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.

C. glutamicum is a small, non-moving Gram-positive soil bacterium. It does not produce spores. It contains catalase and uses fermentative metabolism to break down carbohydrates (1). It was first discovered in Japan in the 1950s, and it has particular importance in biotechnology (discussed below) (2).

c. glutamicum is rod shaped with the ends swelled in a shape similar to a club (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? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?

C. glutamicum has a circular chromosome. Its pCGR1 plasmid has 3,314,179 nucleotides (2).

Cell structure and metabolism

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

C. glutamicum breaks down carbohydrates through the process of fermentation.

Of the structures C. glutamicum possesses, its cell wall is probably one of the most unique parts. The cell wall consists of short-chain mycolic acids, along with a couple of other unusual lipids (meso-diaminopimelic acids and arabino-galactan polymers) (1).

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

C. glutamicum is a non-pathogenic bacterium, although a related species, C. diphtheriae is pathogenic and causes diphtheria in humans through a strong exotoxin it produces. It is usually treatable by antitoxins, toxoids, and antibiotics.

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

http://www.life.umd.edu/classroom/bsci424/PathogenDescriptions/Corynebacterium.htm

Kalinowski, Jörn, Dr. "Fermentative Production of Amino Acids and Vitamins by Corynebacteria". Universität Bielefeld. Genetik. http://www.genetik.uni-bielefeld.de/Genetik/coryne/coryne.eng.html

NCBI Database

Edited by Giang Nguyen, student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano