Streptococcus pneumoniae
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Streptococcus pneumoniae
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Firmicutes; Bacilli; Lactobacillales; 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 enzyme systems that allow the metabolism of polysaccharides and hexosamines, as well as cause damage to host tissue and enable colonization.
Ecology
Pathology
Application to Biotechnology
Current Research
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
