Halothermothrix orenii

From MicrobeWiki, the student-edited microbiology resource

Classification

Bacteria; Firmicutes; Clostridia; Halanaerobiales; Halanaerobiaceae; Halothermothrix; Halothermothrix orenii


Description and Significance

Halothemothrix orenii, of the order Haloanaerobiales, was named in honor of Aharon Oren who made important contributions to the understanding of halophilic anaerobic bacteria. H. orenii is unique amongst extremophiles as they have adapted to more than one environmental stresses. A halophilic, thermophilic, anaerobic, and fermentative bacterium, these types of organisms show to be rare in nature even after intensive search (Patel et al). Habitats in which H. orenii could thrive though are the salt lakes of Australia, Africa and the Middle East and petroleum reservoirs. H. orenii can be useful sources of enzymes with biotechnological applications such as sugar processing and hydrolysis after chemical treatment which usually occurs at high temperatures and results in high concentrations of salt (Patel et al). Being halophilic it can provide insights into the adaptations of proteins and metabolic pathways to produce this phenotype. This bacterium is also of particular significance because of its ability to manufacture hydrogen and is used in bioremediation of oil fields (Patel et al).

Genome Structure

This is the first genome sequence of an organism belonging to the Haloanaerobiales. Sequence analysis 16S rRNA studies have placed this organism in the order Haloanaerobiales in the phylum Firmicutes (low G+C/gram positive). The complete sequence revealed that the genome consists of one circular chromosome of 2,578,146 bps encoding 2451 predicted genes and a GC content of 38%. The majorities of genes are transcribed on the leading strand (89%) and is among one of the highest percentages in bacterial genomes (Patel et al).

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.