Pre_GI: SWBIT SVG BLASTP

Query: NC_015711:2050360 Myxococcus fulvus HW-1 chromosome, complete genome

Lineage: Myxococcus fulvus; Myxococcus; Myxococcaceae; Myxococcales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria

General Information: This organism, like other myxobacteria, undergoes a complex development and differentiation pathway. When cell density increases, the organism switches to "social motility" where aggregates of cells can gather together into masses termed fruiting bodies that may consist of up to 100 000 cells. The motility system is not dependent on flagella like most bacteria, but instead relies on twitching pili: short extracellular appendages that may function analogously to oars in a rowboat. The myxobacteria have proved to be a rich source of novel natural products. Myxococcus fulvus produces a number of antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic substances which are being studies for therapeutic applications.

Subject: NC_008043:86470 Silicibacter sp. TM1040 mega plasmid, complete sequence

Lineage: Ruegeria; Ruegeria; Rhodobacteraceae; Rhodobacterales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria

General Information: This strain was isolated from a culture of the dinoflagellate Pfiesteria piscicida CCMP1830 which has been implicated in many large scale algal blooms resulting in increased mortality in fish. The bacteria are attached to the surface of the dinoflagellate and in some ways allow the dinoflagellate to grow as those lacking the bacteria die off. The bacterium also chemotaxes towards the dinoflagellate product DMSP (dimethylsulfoniopropionate) and metabolizes it. DMSP is a major source of sulfur in marine ecosystems and plays a role in the sulfur biogeochemical cycle. The implication is a tight association between these important dinoflagellates and this marine bacterium.