Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia


Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus is a species of bacteria within the genus Psychrobacter, which is part of the family Moraxellaceae. This bacterium is of particular interest due to its ability to thrive in cold environments, a characteristic feature of the Psychrobacter genus.

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus belongs to the domain Bacteria, which encompasses prokaryotic microorganisms. It is classified under the phylum Pseudomonadota, class Gammaproteobacteria, order Pseudomonadales, and family Moraxellaceae. The genus Psychrobacter is known for its psychrotolerant and psychrophilic species, which are capable of surviving in low-temperature environments.

Morphology[edit | edit source]

Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus is a Gram-negative bacterium. It typically appears as a coccobacillus, which means it is rod-shaped but shorter and more rounded than typical bacilli. The cells are non-motile and do not form spores. The cell wall structure of P. phenylpyruvicus is characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria, with a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides.

Physiology[edit | edit source]

Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus is an aerobic organism, meaning it requires oxygen for growth. It is capable of growing at low temperatures, which is a defining feature of the Psychrobacter genus. The optimal growth temperature for P. phenylpyruvicus is typically around 20°C, but it can grow at temperatures as low as 0°C.

Metabolism[edit | edit source]

The metabolic capabilities of Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus include the ability to utilize a variety of carbon sources. It is known to produce phenylpyruvic acid, which is a key metabolic intermediate. The bacterium is also capable of reducing nitrate to nitrite, a process that is part of its nitrogen metabolism.

Ecology[edit | edit source]

Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus is commonly found in cold environments, such as marine habitats, polar regions, and refrigerated foods. Its ability to survive and grow at low temperatures makes it an important organism in the study of psychrophilic and psychrotolerant bacteria.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

While Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus is primarily an environmental organism, it has occasionally been isolated from clinical specimens. It is not typically associated with human disease, but its presence in clinical samples suggests it may be an opportunistic pathogen under certain conditions. Infections caused by P. phenylpyruvicus are rare and usually occur in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Genomics[edit | edit source]

The genome of Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus has been sequenced, providing insights into its genetic makeup and adaptations to cold environments. The genome contains genes that encode for cold-adaptive proteins and enzymes, which are crucial for its survival and metabolic activity at low temperatures.

Research Applications[edit | edit source]

Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus is of interest in various research fields, including microbiology, ecology, and biotechnology. Its ability to produce cold-active enzymes makes it a potential candidate for industrial applications where processes at low temperatures are advantageous.

See Also[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

  • [Link to genome database]
  • [Link to microbial culture collection]


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