Query: NC_016776:1470596 Bacteroides fragilis 638R, complete genome
Lineage: Bacteroides fragilis; Bacteroides; Bacteroidaceae; Bacteroidales; Bacteroidetes; Bacteria
General Information: This group of microbes constitute the most abundant members of the intestinal microflora of mammals. Typically they are symbionts, but they can become opportunistic pathogens in the peritoneal (intra-abdominal) cavity. Breakdown of complex plant polysaccharides such as cellulose and hemicellulose and host-derived polysaccharides such as mucopolysaccharides is aided by the many enzymes these organisms produce. Although only a minor component of the human gut microflora, this organism is a major component of clinical specimens and is the most common anaerobe isolated.
Subject: NC_021182:4602683 Clostridium pasteurianum BC1, complete genome
Lineage: Clostridium pasteurianum; Clostridium; Clostridiaceae; Clostridiales; Firmicutes; Bacteria
General Information: Environment: Soil; Isolation: Coal-cleaning residues; Temp: Mesophile; Temp: 30C. This genus comprises about 150 metabolically diverse species of anaerobes that are ubiquitous in virtually all anoxic habitats where organic compounds are present, including soils, aquatic sediments and the intestinal tracts of animals and humans. This shape is attributed to the presence of endospores that develop under conditions unfavorable for vegetative growth and distend single cells terminally or sub-terminally. Spores germinate under conditions favorable for vegetative growth, such as anaerobiosis and presence of organic substrates. It is believed that present day Mollicutes (Eubacteria) have evolved regressively (i.e., by genome reduction) from gram-positive clostridia-like ancestors with a low GC content in DNA. Known opportunistic toxin-producing pathogens in animals and humans. Some species are capable of producing organic solvents (acetone, ethanol, etc,), molecular hydrogen and other useful compounds. Clostridium pasteurianum was first isolated from soil by the Russian microbiologist Sergey Winogradsky. This organism is able to fix nitrogen and oxidize hydrogen into protons. The genes involved in nitrogen fixation and hydrogen oxidation have been extensively studied in this organism.