Query: NC_015711:237526 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.