Saccharopolyspora spinosa
Classification
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Actinobacteria
Class: Actinobacteria
Order: Actinomycetales
Family: Pseudonocardiaceae
Genus: Saccharopolyspora
Species
Saccharopolyspora spinosa
|
NCBI: [1] |
Description and Significance
In 1982, researchers vacationing in the Virgin Islands discovered the actinomycete bacteria, Saccharopolyspora spinosa, in soil collected at an inoperative sugar mill rum still (##ref, ##ref). Similar to other species in the Saccharopolyspora genus, S. spinosa are aerobic, gram-positive, and have mycelium (##ref). The mycelium are made up of pale yellowish-pink aerial hyphae, and yellow to yellow-brown substrate hyphae (##ref). These hyphae are long bead-like spore chains that are surrounded by spiny(='spinosa') spore sheaths (##ref). These bacteria are most similar to S. erythraea in morphology, but have different physiological characteristics compared to other species in this genus. Furthermore, since the discovery of S. spinosa, many research cultures have developed distinct strains of S. spinosa. Strains of S. spinosa are convoluted in scientific literature, but a few including the type strain A83543.1 are listed on StrainInfo.net (##ref).
Saccharopolyspora spinosa produce secondary metabolites named 'spinosyns' that are economically, ecologically, and agriculturally important. It has been found that spinosyns have pesticidal properties that are effective for many mites and insects (##ref). Interestingly, the discovery of these properties led to a patent on S. spinosa and the byproducts produced by the organisms (##ref). Spinosyns now make up a new class of insecticides that are produced by such and such company. Because the active ingredients in these pesticides are biological byproducts, the pesticides are marketed as "natural," and less toxic compared to other availible chemicals. Therefore, pesticides containing spinosyns such as Conserve, Entrust, etc. attractive options for pest management in agriculture.
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?
Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Saccharopolyspora spinosa is part of the family actinomycete. It produces a natural, low-risk insecticidal chemical called Spinosad. This chemical is already in use as a grain protect-ant in several countries. Spinosad protects against a large range of insects,, predominantly moths and beetles. This chemical compound is able to remain viable in dry grain storage bins and its length of virility has been measured to last from si months up to two years. The effectiveness of this compound is still being explored and it is reported that its strength is determinant upon several factors such as: insect species, pest life stage, grain type, and grain variety. Spinosad has also been marketed as a treatment for headlice under the pharmaceutical name Natroba.
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
Author
Page authored by Emily Pochubay, Matt O'Grady, Placid, and Demetrious Parker students of Prof. Jay Lennon at Michigan State University.
<-- Do not remove this line-->
