Query: NC_002678:2739829 Mesorhizobium loti MAFF303099, complete genome
Lineage: Mesorhizobium loti; Mesorhizobium; Phyllobacteriaceae; Rhizobiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Plant symbiont bacterium. This organism contains a symbiosis island that is responsible for symbiotic relationships with plants (lotus) which is similar to what is observed with other Rhizobia that form similar relationships with legumes. The bacterium enters root nodules and performs nitrogen-fixation for the plant cell while being provided with a protective environment to grow in. Nitrogen fixation and root nodule formation genes are carried on a symbiosis island.
Subject: NC_010556:141374 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.