Query: NC_014103:3985897 Bacillus megaterium DSM319 chromosome, complete genome
Lineage: Bacillus megaterium; Bacillus; Bacillaceae; Bacillales; Firmicutes; Bacteria
General Information: Bacillus megaterium is a naturally occurring soil bacterium, originally named because of its large size in relation to E. coli. This bacterium produces a number of useful enzymes, such as, amylases and proteases which have industrial uses. In addition this organism can be used for the production and export of other economically important compounds.
Subject: NC_010628:7128951 Nostoc punctiforme PCC 73102, complete genome
Lineage: Nostoc punctiforme; Nostoc; Nostocaceae; Nostocales; Cyanobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: The strain was isolated from a symbiotic association with the gymnosperm cycad Macrozamia sp. It typically grows in freshwater habitats. This genera of cyanobacteria are typically terrestrially-associated and are especially found in limestone or nutrient-poor soils. They are very similar to Anabaena spp. and historically they have been distinguished on the basis of morphological and life cycle characteristics. Nostoc spp. can grow heterotrophically or photoheterotrophically, and form heterocysts for nitrogen fixation. This organism can form nitrogen-fixing symbiotic relationships with plants and fungi such as the bryophyte Anthoceros punctatus. The relationship is relatively simple as compared to the Rhizobial symbiotic relationship. In the presence of the plant, hormogonia (short motile filaments) infect the plant, and then form long heterocyst-containing (nitrogen-fixing differentiated bacterial cells) filaments. The bacterial cell receives carbon sources in exchange for fixed nitrogen.