Streptococcus pneumoniae
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Streptococcus pneumoniae
Classification
Higher order taxa
Domain: Bacteria Phylum: Firmicutes Class: Bacilli Order: Lactobacillales Family: Streptococcaceae
Species
"Streptococcus pneumoniae"
Description and significance
"Streptococcus pneumoniae" is a gram-positive bacteria most widely known for its pathology. It is known to cause pneumonia, bacteremia, otitis media, and meningitis in humans.
Genome structure
The genome of "S. pneumoniae" consists of 2.16 million base pairs and contains 2236 predicted coding regions, 64% of which have been assigned a biological role. About 5% of the genome is made up of insertion sequences that may contribute to genome rearrangements through transferral of DNA. Several surface proteins have been identified that may serve as vaccine candidates. Several strains of "Streptococcus pneumoniae" have been identified, possibly accounting for differences in virulence and antigenicity.
Cell structure and metabolism
"Streptococcus pneumonia" gets a significant amount of its carbon and nitrogen through extracellular enzme systems that allow the metabolism of polysaccharides and hexosamines, as well as damage host tissue and enable colonization.
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
Tettelin Hervé et al; Complete Genome Sequence of a Virulent Isolate of Streptococcus pneumoniae; http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/293/5529/498; Science 20 July 2001: Vol. 293. no. 5529, pp. 498 - 506; DOI: 10.1126/science.1061217
