Methanolobus oregonensis

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Classification

Archaea; Euryarchaeota; Methanomicrobia; Methanosarcinales; Methanosarcinaceae; Methanolobus; Oregonensis

Species

Methanolobus oregonensis

Genome Structure

Information regarding the genome structure of M. oregonensis is lacking, however the guanine-plus-cytosine content of its DNA has been determined to be 40.9 mol% [1]. Also, its 16S ribosomal RNA has been sequenced [2].

Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle

M. oregonensis forms surface colonies on solid media that are circular, smooth and tan-colored. These colonies consist of individual cells that are gram-negative irregular coccoids with a diameter of 1.0-1.5 micrometers. After 10 days of growth, surface colonies are typically around 1mm in diameter. M. oregonensis also exists as individual cells in liquid culture, but aggregates of 10-15 cells have been observed to form in liquid medium containing low K+ concentrations. Larger aggregates have also been observed to form. Cells of M. oregeonensis also have no surface structures, such as flagella, pili, or fimbriae; consequently, the cells are non-motile. M. oregonensis grows optimally at 35-37 ˚C, at a pH of 8.2-9.4, and at a Na+ concentration of 0.1-1.5M [1]. M. oregonensis is a methylotrophic methanogen, and so is strictly anaerobic. This microbe was isolated from a hypersaline aquifer with high concentrations of sulfate. Sulfate inhibits methanogenesis because it is preferred to carbon dioxide as a terminal electron acceptor. Under these conditions, M. oregonensis catabolizes methylamines and forms methane [1]. When cultured, growth of M. oregonensis is most rapid when yeast is included in the medium. Inclusion of vitamins and peptones in the growth medium also result in more rapid growth [1].

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.

[1] http://ijs.sgmjournals.org/content/40/2/111.full.pdf Liu, Y., Boone, D., and Choy, C. "Methanohalophilus oregonense sp. nov. a Methylotrophic Methanogen from an Alkaline, Saline Aquifer". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 1990. Volume 40. p. 111-116.

[2] http://www.straininfo.net/seqrank/sequenceSelector.action?taxonId=13803

Author

Page authored by Andrea Shilling and Ashley Rider, students of Prof. Jay Lennon at IndianaUniversity.