Vickie Nguyen and Haylie Beall

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Classification

Bacteria, Bacillus[Others may be used. Use NCBI link to find]

Bacillus subtilis

NCBI: Taxonomy

According to BLAST using a genome sequence from PCR, our organism has been classified as Bacillus subtilis

Scientific Classification

Domian: Bacteria

Kingdom: Monera

Phylum: Firmicutes

Class: Bacili

Order: Bacillales

Family: Bacillaceae

Genus: Bacillus

Species: B.subtilis

Habitat Information

The organism was isolated from a 10^-3 dilution of soil harvested from a patch of soil in Buda, TX. The soil sample was collected on a sunny afternoon in February 2016. The weather showed low humidity and a temperature of 83 degrees Fahrenheit. The soil dilution was plated on a TSA plate and cultured for one week. Bacterial colonies were transferred to a master patch plate and tested for antibiotic resistance. The organism was chosen based on its antibiotic resistance to E. coli.

Description and Significance

The organism has a colony morphology that is large(up to 2cm), white, rough(blistery with veins), and has irregular borders. There was a clearing surrounding the colony on a test patch plate containing E. coli. We have concluded that it has possible antimicrobial properties against E.coli. Under the microscope, we identified the organism to be gram positive with endospores using gram staining and endospore staining procedures. The organism were arranged in singular rods without a capsule. Because B. subtilis can be found readily in the soil and near grass, its usage of antimicrobial properties may be both practical and effective against E. coli infections.

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? Include S Ribosomal sequence that you obtained from PCR and sequencing here.

Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle

Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Physiology and Pathogenesis

Biochemical characteristics, enzymes made, other characteristics that may be used to identify the organism; contributions to environment (if any).
If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Author

Page authored by Vickie Nguyen and Haylie Beall, students of Prof. Kristine Hollingsworth at Austin Community College.