Mycoplasma genitalium
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Mycoplasma genitalium
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Firmicutes; Mollicutes; Mycoplasmatales; Mycoplasmataceae; Mycoplasma
Genus
Mycoplasma genitalium
NCBI: Taxonomy |
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.
Genome structure
Mycoplasma genitalium is a parasitic bacterium with the smallest known genome of any free living bacteria at 580,070 bp long (1998). They are believed to be simplest form of independent life with the minimal set of genes. M. genitalium are parasites of both plants and animals including humans. They are often found invading and adhering to the epithelial linings of the respiratory or urogenital tracts of animals and are associated with many urogenital tract infections, in both men and women. In fact M. genitalium was first isolated in two men with non-gonococcal urethritis.
Besides its importance as a pathogen, its genome has been extensively studied and used in comparison with other small genome organisms, in order to determine the minimal set of genes essential for life.
Cell structure and metabolism
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.
Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Application to Biotechnology
Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?
Current Research
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References
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano