User:KeinsleyM
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus KeinsleyM
Classification
Higher order taxa
Domain: Bacteria; Phylum: Proteobacteria; Class: Epsilon Protobacteria; Order: Camplyobacterales; Family: Campylobacteraceae [Others may be used. Use NCBI link to find]
Species
|
NCBI: [1] |
Genus: Campylobacter; Species: C. jejuni
Description and significance
Campylobacter jejuni is a gram-negative bacterium that can be isolated from cattle, chickens, birds, flies and non-chlorinated water. This rod shaped bacterium is generally isolated from the feces of the animals listed earlier and the most pathogenic form is transmitted from chickens. (2)
This motile bacterium is a major cause of gastroenteritis, causing diarrhea, nausea, headaches, and other muscle pains. The bacterium is usually ingested after eating raw or undercooked chicken. (2)
Genome structure
C. jejuni are slender rods with a circular chromosome containing 1,641,481 base pairs encoding 1,654 proteins and 54 RNA species. 30.6% of the base pairs are G+C. In order to survive, C. jejuni has hypervariable sequences found in genes encoding synthesis or modification of surface structures. It is believed that in order for Campylobacter jejuni to survive, it must have these hypervariable sequences in the genome as they have a high rate of variation. This genome does not contain any insertion sequences, phage-associated sequences, or repeat sequences. (3)
Cell structure and metabolism
Campylobacter jejuni are gram-negative, rod shaped, motile bacteria. They contain a flagellum at one end of their spiral structure. They have corkscrew motility and joing to form zigzag patterns. (6) C. jejuni test positive for nitrate reduction, oxidase, catalase, and MacConkey’s agar. It is also able to grow at high temperatures and low temperatures. Room temperature conditions do not promote growth. With minimal oxygen and a moist habitat, they can survive nearly a month. It uses carbohydrates found inside the gastrointestinal tract to gain energy for growth. (4)
Ecology
Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.
Pathology
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
