Bacillus subtilis

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Classification

Higher order taxa

Domain:Eubacteria
Phylum: Firmicutes
Class: Bacilli
Order: Bacillales
Family: Bacillaceae

Species

Genus: Bacillus
Species: subtilis

Description and significance

Bacillus subtilis is a gram-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming bacteria. It is regarded as an aerobe; however, it is also capable of growing and sporulating under anaerobic conditions when necessary. B. subtilis resides predominantly in soil, including low-nutrient soil. Due to its association with soil particles, it is also inevitably transferred to plants, foods, animals and even marine and freshwater habitats.

B. subtilis was one of the first bacteria studied by scientists. It was originally named Vibrio subtilis in 1835 by Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg and later renamed Bacillus subtilis by Ferdinand Cohn in 1872.

Currently, B. subtilis is a significant microorganism in the scientific research field, as well as in biotechnology and industry. Scientists often utilize B. subtilis as a model organism. B. subtilis becomes naturally competent during its transition between exponential growth and the stationary phase of growth, meaning it is able to bend and internalize DNA from a medium. Thus, it is easily manipulated genetically and a good laboratory microorganism. Due to its endospore-forming mechanisms, it is an especially excellent model system for cell differentiation. Furthermore, B. subtilis produces a variety of enzymes that are used in various industrial roles, including antibiotic production. Its status as a "generally regarded as safe" (GRAS) organism makes it an excellent industrial microorganism.

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

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Ecology

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Pathology

B. subtilis is not pathogenic to humans, animals, or plants. However, on rare occasions, it may contaminate food and cause food poisoning in humans.

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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References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Bacillus Subtilis. (2008, March 26). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 26, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_subtilis