Query: NC_003869:45560 Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis MB4, complete genome
Lineage: Caldanaerobacter subterraneus; Caldanaerobacter; Thermoanaerobacteraceae; Thermoanaerobacterales; Firmicutes; Bacteria
General Information: This organism was originally isolated from a hot spring in Tengcong, China, and is the type strain for the species. Genomic analysis indicates it is similar to Bacillus halodurans and that it has one of the most biased leading strand distribution of genes. Although the organism has not been observed to be motile or to sporulate, it does contain genes for both functions. The bacterium produces acetate and ethanol from glucose and cannot degrade xylan and cellulose.
Subject: NC_006814:1618588 Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, complete genome
Lineage: Lactobacillus acidophilus; Lactobacillus; Lactobacillaceae; Lactobacillales; Firmicutes; Bacteria
General Information: This organism is a normal inhabitant of the human intestinal tract. This strain was isolated from a human in 1970. Normal gastrointestinal bacterium. They are commonly found in the oral, vaginal, and intestinal regions of many animals. They are important industrial microbes that contribute to the production of cheese, yogurt, and other products such as fermented milks, all stemming from the production of lactic acid, which inhibits the growth of other organisms as well as lowering the pH of the food product. Industrial production requires the use of starter cultures, which are carefully cultivated, created, and maintained, which produce specific end products during fermentation that impart flavor to the final product, as well as contributing important metabolic reactions, such as the breakdown of milk proteins during cheese production. The end product of fermentation, lactic acid, is also being used as a starter molecule for complex organic molecule syntheses. This organism has been studied for its ability to help the human gut maintain its natural microbial community. Strains of this organism are also used in the production of yogurt, cheese and other fermented foods.