Cyanobacterium sequenced features rare linear ...( A team of researchers headed by biol...)
A team of researchers headed by biologists at Washington University in St. Louis has sequenced the genome of a unique bacterium that manages two disparate operations photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation in one little cell during two distinct cycles daily.
Himadri B. Pakrasi, Ph.D., George William and Irene Koechig Professor in Arts & Sciences, spearheaded the drive to sequence the genome of Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 to understand the workings of this species that has the ability to produce ethanol and hydrogen, and thus some day become an inexpensive renewable energy source.
Cyanobacteria are the only known bacteria to have a circadian clock. By day, Cyanothece cells increase gene expression for photosynthesis and sugar production; at night, they moonlight, ramping up gene expression that governs energy metabolism, nitrogen fixation, and respiration.
Pakrasi and his collaborators found the presence of a rare linear chromosome in the organism's genome, a first in cyanobacteria. Further examination revealed the chromosome to be 430 kilobases long and containing a cluster of nine genes that code for enzymes involved in pyruvate metabolism, which is the basis that allows Cyanothece 51142 to produce lactate, and other important compounds.
Cyanothece 51142 has one large circular chromosome, the linear chromosome and four small plasmids.
"This is the first time anything like this has been found in photosynthetic bacteria. It's extremely rare for bacteria to have a linear chromosome," said Pakrasi. "Nearly 100 percent of them do not. Now, we have the genome of this organism, which gives us a complete picture of everything that can possibly happen in this cell. The way the cell prospers, multiplies and dies is all decided in the genome.
"This is the benchmark, the prototype, for these cyanobacterial species. Now, we can go back to this complete picture and compare its brother
'/>"/>
| Contact: Gayle Geren geren@wustl.edu 314-935-7163 Washington University in St. Louis Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Bacterium sequenced makes rare form of chlorophyll
2. Giant panda genome to be sequenced
3. The beetles genome sequenced for the first time
4. Brucella abortus S19 genome sequenced; points toward virulence genes
5. Trichoplax genome sequenced -- rosetta stone for understanding evolution
6. Features of replication suggest viruses have common themes, vulnerabilities
7. Drawing nanoscale features the fast and easy way
8. From brains to behavior: Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features methods for neuroscience research
9. Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features methods to screen genomes and analyze evolution
10. Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features classic approaches for analyzing chromosomes
11. Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features methods for analyzing genomes and plant cells
| Copyright © 2003-2009 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |