Query: NC_007298:750361 Dechloromonas aromatica RCB, complete genome
Lineage: Dechloromonas aromatica; Dechloromonas; Rhodocyclaceae; Rhodocyclales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: This strain was enriched as a hydrocarbon-oxidizing chlorate-reducer from the Potomac River, Maryland, USA. This organism is the first one to have the capability of benzene oxidation in pure anaerobic culture by coupling it to nitrate reduction which is of importance due to the anaerobic environments often found in bioremediation projects. It can reduce perchlorate and chlorate to chloride. This organism may be used for bioremediation as it can oxidize aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, including benzene, in the absence of oxygen. Benzene is an important pollutant, and is used in many manufacturing processes and is a component of diesel fuel.
Subject: NC_021150:1965264 Azotobacter vinelandii CA6, 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.