Pectobacterium atrosepticum: Difference between revisions

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=2. Description and significance=
=2. Description and significance=
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why you think it is important.
*Include as many headings as are relevant to your microbe. Consider using the headings below, as they will allow readers to quickly locate specific information of major interest*


Pectobacterium atrosepticum (P. atrosepticum) is a Gram-negative species of phytopathogenic bacteria that falls under the family of Enterobacteriacea (1). P. atrosepticum is rod-shaped, motile, and does not form spores (2). The bacteria is found in temperate regions (3), where it is responsible for causing blackleg in potatoes, an infection that leads to the soft rot, decay, and eventual death of the crop (4). P. atrosepticum is important to human society due to the harmful economical effects it has on the agricultural industry (4). Genetic factors contributing to pathogenicity and virulence in P. atrosepticum have yet to be described. Current research seeks to gain a deeper understanding of optimal growth conditions for P. atrosepticum, as well as pathogenic effects of the microbe on a variety of different plants (4).
Pectobacterium atrosepticum (P. atrosepticum) is a Gram-negative species of phytopathogenic bacteria that falls under the family of Enterobacteriacea (1). P. atrosepticum is rod-shaped, motile, and does not form spores (2). The bacteria is found in temperate regions (3), where it is responsible for causing blackleg in potatoes, an infection that leads to the soft rot, decay, and eventual death of the crop (4). P. atrosepticum is important to human society due to the harmful economical effects it has on the agricultural industry (4). Genetic factors contributing to pathogenicity and virulence in P. atrosepticum have yet to be described. Current research seeks to gain a deeper understanding of optimal growth conditions for P. atrosepticum, as well as pathogenic effects of the microbe on a variety of different plants (4).

Revision as of 14:42, 10 December 2018

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1. Classification

a. Higher order taxa

Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Gammaproteobacteria; Enterobacteriales; Enterobacteriacea; Pectobacterium (1).

Species: Pectobacterium atrosepticum (1).

2. Description and significance

Pectobacterium atrosepticum (P. atrosepticum) is a Gram-negative species of phytopathogenic bacteria that falls under the family of Enterobacteriacea (1). P. atrosepticum is rod-shaped, motile, and does not form spores (2). The bacteria is found in temperate regions (3), where it is responsible for causing blackleg in potatoes, an infection that leads to the soft rot, decay, and eventual death of the crop (4). P. atrosepticum is important to human society due to the harmful economical effects it has on the agricultural industry (4). Genetic factors contributing to pathogenicity and virulence in P. atrosepticum have yet to be described. Current research seeks to gain a deeper understanding of optimal growth conditions for P. atrosepticum, as well as pathogenic effects of the microbe on a variety of different plants (4).

3. 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?

4. Cell structure

Interesting features of cell structure. Can be combined with “metabolic processes”

5. Metabolic processes

Describe important sources of energy, electrons, and carbon (i.e. trophy) for the organism/organisms you are focusing on, as well as important molecules it/they synthesize(s).

6. Ecology

While other species in this genus can survive in a wide variety of environments, P. atrosepticum can only host themselves in potato plants found in temperate climates (11). The optimal temperature for infection is 27०C (12). When not actively causing disease in crops, the bacteria cycle through a series of phases where they grow in the soil, on the surface of the plant, and then lay dormant within plant tissues (13). Once P. atrosepticum makes its way inside, it occupies the intercellular spaces and vascular tissues of the pores and wounds (13). When environmental conditions (specifically temperature and water and oxygen supply) become favorable, the bacteria can begin to cause infection (13). While oxygen availability and temperature are important factors, the presence of free water is most important for P. atrosepticum development (13).

7. Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

8. Current Research

Include information about how this microbe (or related microbes) are currently being studied and for what purpose

9. References

It is required that you add at least five primary research articles (in same format as the sample reference below) that corresponds to the info that you added to this page. [Sample reference] Faller, A., and Schleifer, K. "Modified Oxidase and Benzidine Tests for Separation of Staphylococci from Micrococci". Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 1981. Volume 13. p. 1031-1035.