Streptococcus pneumoniae

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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

Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required

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

Winstead, Edward R.; July 23, 2001; Sugar Transporters and Foreign DNA, The sequenced Streptococcus pneumoniae genome; http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/07_01/Streptococcus_p.shtml