Nanobacterium sanguineum
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Nanobacterium sanguineum
Classification
Higher order taxa
cellular organisms; Bacteria; unclassified Bacteria; Nanobacterium
Species
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Nanobacterium sanguineum
Description and significance
The genus Nanobacterium is said to contain a group of microbes that, like the name suggests, have dimensions considerably lower than that of regular bacteria, and perhaps even rival those of viruses. Since its discovery, nanobacteria have been the subject of consistent controversy; due to the significant size difference, some researchers have debated whether or not the so-called microorganisms are even alive, much less real. Only recently has it subsided, due to new studies being released.
The first discernable species of nanobacteria was dubbed Nanobacterium sanguineum in 1998 by Finnish researchers E. Olavi Kajander and Nev Ciftcioglu; together they found evidence of self-replicating nanobacteria in the blood of humans and cows, along with the presence of 16S ribosomal RNA, evidence that the microbes are indeed alive. In addition, they discovered a unique characteristic among nanobacteria; they all seemed to produce a thick cell envelope of sorts consisting of either calcium compounds or apatite. Due to this property, nanobacteria was hypothesized to be the causes of calcification in certain parts of the body (i.e. kidney stones, plaques in various organs).
However, a couple years later, it was theorized that the particles discovered may not have actually been alive or self-replicating at all. According to a paper published in 2000, the replication witnessed by Kajander and Ciftcioglu may have been due to the properties of apatite itself
Genome structure
Due to the relatively controversial nature of nanobacteria, the genome of any of the species within the genus have yet to be sequenced. However, now that new evidence has been seen of nanobacteria truly being alive, extracting the 16S ribosomal RNA of any of its species may be the first step to sequencing the genome.
Cell structure and metabolism
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
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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
