Corynebacterium glutamicum: Difference between revisions

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==Cell structure and metabolism==
==Cell structure and metabolism==
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
<!--Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.-->


<i>C. glutamicum</i> breaks down carbohydrates through the process of fermentation.  
<i>C. glutamicum</i> breaks down carbohydrates through the process of fermentation.  

Revision as of 07:06, 2 May 2007

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Corynebacterium glutamicum

Classification

Higher order taxa

Bacteria; Actinobacteria; Actinobacteria; Actinomycetales; Corynebacteriaceae

Species

Corynebacterium glutamicum

Description and significance

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). Another reason for researchers to sequence its genome is that it is a good model with which to understand other genera in the same monophylectic taxon (4).

C. glutamicum is rod shaped with the ends swelled in a shape similar to a club (1). It also has a high growth while requiring relatively little.

Genome structure

C. glutamicum has a circular chromosome and a couple of plasmids. Its genome conssists of 3,314,179 nucleotides (2).

Cell structure and metabolism

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. Besides the peptidoglycan layer, 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

C. glutamicum produces several useful compounds and enzymes. It was first discovered as a producer of glutamate. Now it is also used to make amino acids, such as lysine, threonine, and isoleucine, as well as vitamins like pantothenate(2).

Another possible use for C. glutamicum is in bioremediation, such as for arsenic. C. glutamicum contains two operons in its genome, the ars1 and ars2 operons, that are resistant to arsenic. With further experimentation, researchers hope to be able to eventually use this bacterium to take up the arsenic in the environment(4).

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

Mateos, Luis M., Efren Ordonez, Michal Letek, and Jose A. Gil. "Corynebacterium glutamicum as a model bacterium for the bioremediation of arsenic". International Microbiology. 2006. p. 207-215.

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