Query: NC_012781:302387 Eubacterium rectale ATCC 33656, complete genome
Lineage: Eubacterium rectale; Eubacterium; Eubacteriaceae; Clostridiales; Firmicutes; Bacteria
General Information: Eubacterium rectale ATCC 33656 was isolated from human feces. This genus has been isolated as normal flora from feces, rumen, and periodontal tissue. Eubacterium spp. are thought to play a beneficial role in maintaining the normal ecology of the large intestine, in part by producing chemicals like butyric acid which act to inhibit the growth of other bacteria. These organisms are occasionally isolated from wounds and abscesses and may be an opportunistic pathogen. This genus has also been isolated from sewage and soil.
Subject: NC_012560:4311906 Azotobacter vinelandii DJ, complete genome
Lineage: Azotobacter vinelandii; Azotobacter; Pseudomonadaceae; Pseudomonadales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: This organism was first isolated from the soil in Vineland, New Jersey, although it is found worldwide. It is a large obligate aerobe that has one of the highest respiratory rates of any organism. Azotobacter vinelandii also produces a number of unusual nitrogenases which allow it to fix atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia, a compound it can then use as a nitrogen source. It protects the oxygen-sensitive nitrogenase enzymes through its high respiratory rate, which sequesters the nitrogenase complexes in an anoxic environment. This organism has a number of unusual characteristics. Under extreme environmental conditions, the cell will produce a cyst that is resistant to dessication and is surrounded by two capsular polysaccharide layers. This organism produces two industrially important polysaccharides, poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and alginate. PHB is a thermoplastic biopolymer, and alginate is used in the food industry. Alginate is also used by the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to infect the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients.