Vibrio harveyi
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Vibrio harveyi
Classification
Higher Order Taxa
- Kingdom: Bacteria
- Phylum: Proteobacteria
- Class: Gammaproteobacteria
- Order: Vibrionales
- Family: Vibrionaceae
Species
Vibrio harveyi
Synonyms: Lucibacterium harveyi, Beneckea harveyi, Achromobacter harveyi, Pseudomonas harveyi, Photobacterium harveyi, (Johnson and Shunk, 1936); Vibrio carchariae (Grimes, 1985); Vibrio trachuri, (Iwamoto, 1996)
Description and significance
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.
Appearance: V. harveyi is curved rod shaped, Gram-negative, non-sporulating, and monotrichous (mobilized by a single polar flagellum).
Habitat: V. harveyi is found mainly in tropical marine environments including brackish water. V. harveyi is also found in symbiotic relationships with many marine organisms such as.....
Discovery: Johnson and Shunk 1936
Significance: Inter- and intra-bacterial communication, quorum sensing (Bassler). Sequencing of the genome would undoubtedly contribute to further understanding of this unique skill.
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? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?
- The Microbial Sequencing Center of the Institute for Genomic Research is currently doing shotgun seguence research for the HY01 strain of Vibrio harveyi. This research is in conjunction with a project to identify the genome sequence for 17 different Vibrio species enabling extensive comprehension of the Vibrio genus.
Cell structure and metabolism
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Vibrio harveyi is a heterotrophic, facultative anaerobic bacterium meaning it can swap between aerobic respiration and fermentation. This characteristic helps V. harveyi survive in low oxygen concentrations when enough fermentable material is present. When in the presence of oxygen V. harveyi
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.
Going out with a glow. (as opposed to a bang)
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
Johnson and Shunk 1936
Edited by Ryan Kendall of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano's Bacteriology class Spring 2007
