Query: NC_007626:3393940 Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1, complete genome
Lineage: Magnetospirillum magneticum; Magnetospirillum; Rhodospirillaceae; Rhodospirillales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: This organism was isolated from pond water in Tokyo, Japan. Magnetic particles from Magnetospirillum magneticum have been used in DNA and RNA isolation procedures. The typical habitat of Magnetospirillum consists of shallow fresh water and sediments.
Subject: NC_021150:3200959 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.