Query: NC_004663:4977635 Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron VPI-5482, complete genome
Lineage: Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron; Bacteroides; Bacteroidaceae; Bacteroidales; Bacteroidetes; Bacteria
General Information: This is the type strain for this organism and was isolated from the feces of a healthy adult. Common gastrointestinal bacterium. This group of microbes constitute the most abundant members of the intestinal microflora of mammals. Typically they are symbionts, but they can become opportunistic pathogens in the peritoneal (intra-abdominal) cavity. Breakdown of complex plant polysaccharides such as cellulose and hemicellulose and host-derived polysaccharides such as mucopolysaccharides is aided by the many enzymes these organisms produce. Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is one of the two major Bacteroidesspecies found in the intestine. This organism has been used in studies on gut microflora composition and succession.
Subject: NC_008358:2808299 Hyphomonas neptunium ATCC 15444, complete genome
Lineage: Hyphomonas neptunium; Hyphomonas; Hyphomonadaceae; Rhodobacterales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Marine member of dimorphic prosthecate bacteria. This organism is also known as Hyphomicrobium neptunium. It has a biphasic life style, which consists of a motile phase of flagellated swarmer cells, and a cessile phase in which a long prosthecate is produced at one end of the bacteria through which budding cells emerge. Newly budded cells in turn produce flagella and go through a motile phase and the cycle continues. These organisms can colonize the surfaces of marine environments which enables additional species to colonize at later stages. This organism may be of use in treatment of water as they attach to a solid surface and are capable of degradation of a number of pollutants including aromatic hydrocarbons, dimethyl sulfoxide and methyl chloride.