Query: NC_007712:2806500 Sodalis glossinidius str. 'morsitans', complete genome
Lineage: Sodalis glossinidius; Sodalis; Enterobacteriaceae; Enterobacteriales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: Sodalis glossinidius is known exclusively in endosymbiosis with tsetse flies. It is maternally transmitted, and is one of the few bacterial endosymbionts of insects that can be cultured successfully in vitro. Genome data reveals a high proportion of pseudogenes in this species, many of which were, in their functional state, involved in defense or transport of carbohydrates and inorganic ions. This suggests a degenerative adaptation to the immunity and restricted nutritional status of the host.
Subject: NC_003063:1019674 Agrobacterium tumefaciens str. C58 chromosome linear, complete
Lineage: Agrobacterium fabrum; Agrobacterium; Rhizobiaceae; Rhizobiales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: This strain is a biovar 1 nopaline-producing strain originally isolated from a cherry tree tumor. Strains of Agrobacterium are classified in three biovars based on their utilisation of different carbohydrates and other biochemical tests. The differences between biovars are determined by genes on the single circle of chromosomal DNA. Biovar differences are not particularly relevant to the pathogenicity of A. tumefaciens, except in one respect: biovar 3 is found worldwide as the pathogen of gravevines. This species causes crown gall disease of a wide range of dicotyledonous (broad-leaved) plants, especially members of the rose family such as apple, pear, peach, cherry, almond, raspberry and roses. Because of the way that it infects other organisms, this bacterium has been used as a tool in plant breeding. Any desired genes, such as insecticidal toxin genes or herbicide-resistance genes, can be engineered into the bacterial DNA, and then inserted into the plant genome. This process shortens the conventional plant breeding process, and allows entirely new (non-plant) genes to be engineered into crops.