Query: NC_013929:4807910 Streptomyces scabiei 87.22 chromosome, complete genome
Lineage: Streptomyces scabiei; Streptomyces; Streptomycetaceae; Actinomycetales; Actinobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: This organism is a soil bacterium which is the causative agent of scab disease and affects a variety of underground vegetables such as potato and radish. The characteristic earthy smell of freshly plowed soil is actually attributed to the aromatic terpenoid geosmin produced by species of Streptomyces. There are currently 364 known species of this genus, many of which are the most important industrial producers of antibiotics and other secondary metabolites of antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumor nature, as well as immunosuppressants, antihypercholesterolemics, etc. Streptomycetes are crucial in the soil environment because their diverse metabolism allows them to degrade the insoluble remains of other organisms, including recalcitrant compounds such as lignocelluloses and chitin.
Subject: NC_002944:4254011 Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis K-10, complete genome
Lineage: Mycobacterium avium; Mycobacterium; Mycobacteriaceae; Actinomycetales; Actinobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: This strain was isolated from a diary herd in Wisconsin, USA in the 1970's. Environmental organism which causes infections in birds and humans. This genus comprises a number of Gram-positive, acid-fast, rod-shaped aerobic bacteria and is the only member of the family Mycobacteriaceae within the order Actinomycetales. Like other closely related Actinomycetales, such as Nocardia and Corynebacterium, Mycobacteria have unusually high genomic DNA GC content and are capable of producing mycolic acids as major components of their cell wall. Mycobacterium avium is ubiquitous in the environment, and can be found in stagnant waters and soils. This organism causes tuberculosis in birds and disseminated infections in immunocompromized humans (the elderly, children, and especially patients with AIDS). Infection results in a characteristic pulmonary disease which requires expensive drug therapy for successful treatment. Most prevalent colony morphotypes are smooth opaque, smooth transparent and rough, with the last two being the faster growers in vivo.