Syntrophus aciditrophicus
Classification
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Proteobacteria;
Class : Deltaproteobacteria;
Order : Syntrophobacterales;
Family: Syntrophaceae
Species
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NCBI: [[1] link to find]] |
Syntrophus aciditrophicus
Description and Significance
S.aciditrophicus is an anaerobic, gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore forming, rod-shaped bacterium. Genes for synthesis of Type IV pili, complete flagella synthesis and chemosensory genes are present. It is a benzoate-degrading bacterium able to degrade fatty acid chains in a symbiotic relationship with methanogens. It has been previously isolated from sewage sludge and can be found in anaerobic environments. it is an organism that has metabolic genes to degrade aromatic and alicyclic compounds and synthesize APT from acetyl CoA. The unique metabolism of syntrophic fatty and aromatic acids of S. aciditrophicus makes this organism stand out from almost all other organisms. Although little information is known about the metabolism of syntrophs, such as S. aciditrophicus”, they constitute the missing link in understanding the anaerobic flow of carbon in the biosphere.
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.
S. aciditrophicus’s genome has genes required for synthesis of Type IV pili. These pili may facilitate cell-to-cell attachment to facilitate the transfer of hydrogen and other chemical compound to its syntrophic partners. Although it has a complete set of flagella, structural proteins and chemosensory genes, motility and chemotaxis have yet to be observed in laboratory cultures.
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 _____, student of Prof. Jay Lennon at IndianaUniversity.
