Desulfotalea psychrophila: Difference between revisions

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==Genome Structure==
==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?


The genome of Desulfotalea psychrophila strain LSv54 is one circular chromosome 3.523 million base pairs in length. The chromosome consists of two plasmids, 121 586 bp and 14 663 bp in length, along with 3118 predicted genes. D. psychrophila's genome was the first sequenced of any psychrophillic bacterium in 2004. Genome sequencing shows that Desulfotalea psychrophila is unique in that the microbe lacks homologues of several c-type cytochromes that are present in most sulfate-reducing lineages of the delta-proteobacteria.


==Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle==
==Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle==

Revision as of 21:51, 26 April 2009

Classification

Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Deltaproteobacteria; Desulfobacterales; Desulfobulbaceae


Species

NCBI: Taxonomy

Desulfotalea psychrophila

Description and Significance

Desulfotalea psychrophila is a gram-negative sulfate-reducing proteobacterium that is circular in shape and composed of a single chromosome approximately 3.5 million base pairs in length. The chromosome consists of two small plasmids and roughly 3100 predicted genes. The delta-proteobacterium is a marine organism which can be found in marine sediments that are permanently cold. This organism was first discovered in arctic marine sediment off the coast of Svalbard. Desulfotalea psychrophila can withstand extremely cold temperatures and can live in waters below 0°C. D. psychrophila has very little in common with other sulfate-reducing bacteria. A photograph taken of the bacteria with an electron microscope reveals an imperfect rod shape in appearance. The organism breaks down sulfur as suggested by its name. D. psychrophila is believed to play an important role in energy cycles, as it is an abundant member of the microbial community. The bacterium plays an important role in energy cycles by contributing to global carbon and sulfur cycles.

Genome Structure

The genome of Desulfotalea psychrophila strain LSv54 is one circular chromosome 3.523 million base pairs in length. The chromosome consists of two plasmids, 121 586 bp and 14 663 bp in length, along with 3118 predicted genes. D. psychrophila's genome was the first sequenced of any psychrophillic bacterium in 2004. Genome sequencing shows that Desulfotalea psychrophila is unique in that the microbe lacks homologues of several c-type cytochromes that are present in most sulfate-reducing lineages of the delta-proteobacteria.

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

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Author

Page authored by _____, student of Prof. Jay Lennon at Michigan State University.