Bacillus Subtilis Case Study Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Define Bacillus subtilis.

Bacillus subtilis is an aerobic, Gram-positive soil bacterium, widely used for the production of heterologous proteins. It secretes numerous enzymes to degrade various substrates.

What is the definition of aerobic?

Living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen.

What is a gram stain?

A staining technique for preliminary identification of bacteria using a violet dye, a decolorizing agent, and a red dye.

What is the definition of phylum?

A principal taxonomic category that ranks above class and below kingdom. Signup and view all the answers

What are Firmicutes?

Firmicutes are a type of bacteria that live in the human gut. Signup and view all the answers

What does cleave mean?

To split a molecule by breaking a particular chemical bond or to divide (of a cell). Signup and view all the answers

Bacillus subtilis is harmful to humans.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are some characteristics of Bacillus subtilis?

It is a fast-growing model organism of the Gram-positive lineage, naturally transformable, and has a powerful genetic toolbox. Signup and view all the answers

What are some applications of Bacillus subtilis in industrial and research settings?

It is important for secreting proteins, making fine chemicals, and acting as a plant growth promoter. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bacillus subtilis produce?

It makes endospores. Signup and view all the answers

What are the categories in P.C.F.O.G.S?

Order Signup and view all the answers

What are the components in F.B.B.B.B.S?

Bacillaceae Signup and view all the answers

What are the properties of B.subtilis?

B.subtilis is a fast-growing, Gram-positive, aerobic bacterium with rod-shaped cells. It has an optimal growth temperature of about 30-35 C. Signup and view all the answers

What are the properties of B.subtilis under some growth conditions?

The cells can form long chains connected by uncleaved septal wall material. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to B.subtilis cells under starvation conditions?

The cells can undergo a complex cell-differentiation process leading to the formation of an endospore. Signup and view all the answers

What are the properties of B.subtilis vegetative cells?

The vegetative cells can be motile or form biofilms and 'fruiting bodies' containing spores. Signup and view all the answers

What is the B.subtilis strain 168?

It is a tryptophan auxotroph, meaning it requires tryptophan to grow, and was isolated in the 1950s. Signup and view all the answers

When was the B.subtilis strain 168 genome sequenced?

B.subtilis strain 168 was one of the first bacteria to be fully genome sequenced. Signup and view all the answers

What is the size and number of genes in the B.subtilis genome?

B.subtilis has a genome of 4.2 million base pairs and about 4100 genes. Signup and view all the answers

What is SubtiWiki and what does it contain?

SubtiWiki is a comprehensive database providing data on the B.subtilis strain 168. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bacillus subtilis Overview

Bacillus subtilis is an aerobic, Gram-positive soil bacterium, instrumental in heterologous protein production.
It secretes various enzymes for degrading substrates, enhancing survival in dynamic environments.

Aerobic Definition

Refers to organisms that live and thrive only in the presence of oxygen.

Gram Stain Technique

A method used for preliminary bacterial identification involving violet dye, followed by a decolorizer and a red dye.
Gram-positive bacteria retain the violet dye, appearing violet, while Gram-negative bacteria lose it, appearing red.

Phylum Definition

A major taxonomic category ranking above class and below kingdom; used for various organisms including bacteria and protists.
Classification is primarily based on general body plans.

Firmicutes

Firmicutes represent a type of bacteria commonly found in the human gut.

Cleave Definition

To split a molecule by breaking specific chemical bonds or to divide a cell.

Safety of Bacillus subtilis

Considered benign, lacking traits associated with pathogenicity or toxicity towards humans or animals.
Minimal risk in using it within fermentation facilities due to its non-pathogenic nature.

Characteristics of Bacillus subtilis

Best studied model organism of the Gram-positive lineage, notable for its transformative capacity and robust genetic tools.
Fast-growing and relatively easy to cultivate.

Applications in Industry and Research

Proficient in protein secretion and production of fine chemicals, acting as a plant growth promoter.
Serves as a crucial model system for biofilm studies.

Endospores

Bacillus subtilis produces endospores, crucial for researching cellular development, such as cell fate and morphogenesis.

Taxonomy Structure (P.C.F.O.G.S)

Classification hierarchy includes Phylum, Class, Family, Order, Genus, and Species.

Taxonomic Classification of Bacillus subtilis (F.B.B.B.B.S)

Assigned to Firmicutes, Bacilli, Bacillaceae, Bacillales, Bacillus, and specifically subtilis.

Properties of Bacillus subtilis

Fast-growing, Gram-positive, aerobic bacterium; rod-shaped cells measure 2-6 μm in length and nearly 1 μm in diameter.
Optimal growth temperature ranges from 30-35 °C, with a doubling time as short as 20 minutes.

Cell Chains Formation

Under certain growth conditions, Bacillus subtilis can form long chains due to uncleaved septal wall connections.

Endospore Formation

In starvation conditions, the bacterium undergoes a complex cell differentiation process, resulting in endospore formation and subsequent lysis of the mother cell.

Vegetative Cell Properties

Vegetative cells of Bacillus subtilis can exhibit motility, form biofilms, and develop fruiting bodies with spores.

B.subtilis Strain 168

A tryptophan auxotroph isolated in the 1950s, requiring tryptophan for growth, serves as an important model in research.

Genome Sequencing

B.subtilis strain 168 was one of the first bacteria to undergo complete genome sequencing.

Genome Size and Gene Count

The genome of Bacillus subtilis encompasses 4.2 million base pairs (Mbp) and approximately 4100 genes.

SubtiWiki Database

SubtiWiki is a user-friendly database providing detailed data on Bacillus subtilis strain 168, including transcriptional information and other relevant genetic data.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of Bacillus subtilis with these flashcards. Each card defines key terms and concepts related to this versatile soil bacterium, highlighting its aerobic nature and industrial applications. Perfect for students and researchers delving into microbiology.