Pseudomonas putida

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Classification

Higher order taxa

Domain- Bacteria

Phylum- Proteobacteria

Class- Gamma Proteobacteria

Order- Pseudomonadales

family- Pseudomonadaceae

Species

Pseudomonas putida

Description and significance

Pseudomonas putida are Gram negative rod-shaped bacteria. Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.

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?

Cell structure and metabolism

Pseudomonas putida are aerobic, non sporeforming, oxidase positive bacteria. Having one or more polar flagella, they are motile organisms. They can be found in moist environments, such as soil and water, and grow optimally at room temperature. P. putida are unique saprobes in that use a wide variety of non-living material as their source of nutrition, including multiple types of aromatic hydrocarbons. This allows them to be agents of bioremediation, one of the most differentiating and impressive features of Pseudomonas putida. 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

In genetic terms, Pseudomonas putida is very similar to strains of Pseudomonas aeroginosa, an opportunistic human pathogen. Although there is a considerable amount of genome conservation, P. putida seems to be missing the key virulent segments that P. aeroginosa has. Being a non-pathogenic bacteria, there has been only a handful of episodes where P. putida has infected humans. For the most part, it has been with immunocompromised patients, causing septicaemia, septic arthritis, or peritonitis. P. putida is also closely related to Pseudomonas syringae, an abundant plant pathogen, but again it lacks the gene that causes such disease. 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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