Pre_GI: SWBIT SVG BLASTN

Query: NC_009615:1734752 Parabacteroides distasonis ATCC 8503 chromosome, complete genome

Lineage: Parabacteroides distasonis; Parabacteroides; Porphyromonadaceae; Bacteroidales; Bacteroidetes; Bacteria

General Information: Normal 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. Parabacteroides distasonis is one of the most common fecal isolates, however, this organism is rarely isolated from clinical specimens.

Subject: NC_010556:691498 Exiguobacterium sibiricum 255-15, complete genome

Lineage: Exiguobacterium sibiricum; Exiguobacterium; Bacillales Family XII; Bacillales; Firmicutes; Bacteria

General Information: This organism was isolated from a 2-3 million-year permafrost core in Siberia, Russia and can survive and grow rapidly at low temperatures. Analysis of long-term survival of psychrophilic organisms such as this one may aid understanding of the potential growth of organisms in astrobiology. Exiguobacterium sibiricum is a psychrotolerant organism able to grow at temperatures that range from -6 to 40 degrees C. This organism is also able to survive repeated freeze/thaw cycles which may contribute to its ability to survive in cold environments.