Query: NC_015589:366296 Desulfotomaculum ruminis DSM 2154 chromosome, complete genome
Lineage: Desulfotomaculum ruminis; Desulfotomaculum; Peptococcaceae; Clostridiales; Firmicutes; Bacteria
General Information: Environment: Animal intestinal microflora, Fresh water; Isolation: rumen of hay-fed sheep; Temp: Mesophile; Temp: 37C. Desulfotomaculum ruminis is a spore-forming, sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Subject: NC_012560:5276000 Azotobacter vinelandii DJ, 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.