Bacillus megaterium
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Classification
Here is a top-view image of a plate streaked with Bacillus Megaterium and incubated at room temperature for 24 hours.
Higher order taxa
Kingdom: Bacteria
Phylum: Firmicutes
Class: Bacilli
Order: Bacillales
Family: Bacillaceae
Genus: Bacillus
Species: B. megaterium
Species
Genus: Bacillus
Description and significance
Bacillus Megaterium is a Gram Positive, Rod Shaped Endospore-Forming Bacteria. It is considered Aerobic, but, it is also capable of growing under anaerobic conditions when necessary. One of the largest Eubacteria found in soil, and hence the name “mega” means “relatively big” is a common soil saprophyte. A saprophyte is an organism, especially a fungus or bacterium, that lives on and gets its nourishment from dead organisms or decaying organic material. Saprophytes recycle organic material in the soil, breaking it down into in simpler compounds that can be taken up by other organisms. Bacillus Megaterium are also found in chains where the cells are joined together by polysaccharides on the cell walls and synthesizes a capsule composed of both polypeptide and polysaccharide. Bacillus Megaterium is also able to survive in extreme conditions such as desert environments due to the spores it forms.
Here are two images showing the structure and shape of each Bacillus Megaterium:
http://www.magma.ca/~scimat/B_mega101.jpg
http://dept.kent.edu/microbiology/images/bmeg.jpg
Genome structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?
Bacillus Megaterium has been studied since the 1940's because it was one of the only species to have 100% of a culture sporulate as well as the ability to germinate at the same rate. It is about two times greater in volume compared to that of an E. coli. The larger size has allowed several proteins to be successfully studied, along with further membrane research. Such research include that of Cell division, DNA-protein, protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions, protein transport, secretion, and recycling. The size comparison to most other Bacilli would be very interesting to study from a Genomic perspective.
Cell structure and metabolism
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.
Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Application to Biotechnology
Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?
Current Research
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