Pseudomonas putida
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| Pseudomonas putida |
Description and significance
Pseudomonas putida are Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria. 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.
Genome structure
The Pseudomonas putida strain KT2440 genome was sequenced as a joint project between The Institute for Genomic Research and a German consortium in 1999. The way that they sequenced the genome was using the random shotgun method. They found that the one circular chromosome contains 6,181,863 base pairs. The total number of genes is 5,516, with 5,421 being protein coding. The total number of repeats, or stretches greater than 200 base pairs and almost identical, was 398. Interestingly, there was a high GC content in the genome, which created some difficulty in sequencing through the traditional methods. Through sequencing the Pseudomonas putida genome, scientists were able to determine the biotechnological potential of the organism. 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?
Cell structure and metabolism
Pseudomonas putida are aerobic, non sporeforming, oxidase positive bacteria. Having one or more polar flagella, they are motile organisms. They can be found in moist environments, such as soil and water, and grow optimally at room temperature. P. putida are unique saprobes in that use a wide variety of non-living material as their source of nutrition, including multiple types of aromatic hydrocarbons. This allows them to be agents of bioremediation, one of the most differentiating and impressive features of Pseudomonas putida. Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.
Pathology
In genetic terms, Pseudomonas putida is very similar to strains of Pseudomonas aeroginosa, an opportunistic human pathogen. Although there is a considerable amount of genome conservation, P. putida seems to be missing the key virulent segments that P. aeroginosa has. Being a non-pathogenic bacteria, there has been only a handful of episodes where P. putida has infected humans. For the most part, it has been with immunocompromised patients, causing septicaemia, septic arthritis, or peritonitis. P. putida is also closely related to Pseudomonas syringae, an abundant plant pathogen, but again it lacks the gene that causes such disease. How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
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