User:DiekhoffB
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria (Domain); Firmicutes (Phylum); Bacilli (Class); Lactobacillales (Order); Streptococcaceae (Family)
Species
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Streptococcus mutans
Description and significance
S. mutans was discovered in 1924 by a man named JK Clark, whom was studying dental caries at the time of discovery. The bacterium was withdrawn from a patient's decaying tooth, observed, and described by Clark. S. mutans is a Gram positive bacteria that possesses anaerobic capabilities and is non motile. These bacteria reside in the mouths of humans and have not been found elsewhere. There are other species of streptococci that have been found to live in the mouth of other organisms. S. mutans also produces acid, which allows it to break down the enamel on teeth in order to dig into them.
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why you think it is important.
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 and metabolism
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
Being a bacteria that causes cavities, S. mutans dwells in the mouths of humans where it creates plaque. The amount of S. mutans in the human mouth ranges from about 30 - 60% of the total bacteria present on all surfaces in the mouth. S. mutans also possesses the ability to create a polysaccharide called dextran, which is sticky. This allows the bacterium to adhere to the surface enamel, making its job easy to do. This bacterium thrives off of the sugars from the food humans ingest and the warm temperature of the mouth is an ideal number for the bacterium to undergo metabolism and replication. Salivary glands continually wash S. mutans and all other bacteria from the mouth naturally, and this process is aided by regular teeth brushing. Absence of dental hygiene and a dry mouth give the bacterium a perfect opportunity to do damage to the teeth because they are not being removed form the tooth surfaces, but being left to produce acid and seep into inner tooth.
Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.
Pathology
In addition to dental caries, S. mutans can lead to gum disease and perodontitis. Both of these involve the inflammation and recession of the gums, which then leads to teeth loss. Generally, teeth loss can lead to a speech impediment and under-nutrition of an individual. Essentially, lack of proper dental hygiene does not stop its harmful effects at the mouth, but affects the entire body. S. mutans, along with other mouth dwelling bacteria, can cause this process to occur.
The effects of S. mutans can normally be caught before a tooth is lost by a dentist. A dentist is able to see decay indicated by brown spots on a tooth, or by feeling soft spots on teeth with a dental pick. Depending on how long the bacterium has been working, the patient may or may not feel pain or sensitivity to hot and cold even if the doctor can see a cary beginning to form.
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Current Research and or Application to Biotechnology
Enter summaries of the most recent research and/or application to biotechnology here--at least three required
References
Edited by student of Dr. Lynn M Bedard, DePauw University http://www.depauw.edu
