Question

Identify the bacterial genus/species that best fits each of the following descriptions and offer a brief description (note: there is no one correct answer for most).

​a. The gamma proteobacterial genus/species that is well suited to degrade hydrocarbons ​in an oil spill.

​b. A Gram-positive rod used in dairy fermentation

​c. The Gram-positive genus that presents the greatest source of bacterial damage to the ​beekeeping ​industry.

​d. The proteobacterium known to reduce heavy metal contamination.

Answer 1

a)

Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus

[.........belongs to gamma group of Proteobacteria that is rod shaped and Gram negative. Depending upon the specific concentration of NaCl (0.6 - 1.5M) in medium, these bacteria are able to produce a single flagellum for movement. Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus degrade  long non-cyclic alkanes (commonly found in petroleum hdrocarbons)].

b)

Lactobacillus

[The Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are generally used in dairy fermentation and important species include Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Lactococcus and Leuconostoc. Among these Lactobacillus species are rod shaped, Gram positive and catalase negative that produce lactic acid from sugars through fermentation process].

c)

Paenibacillus larvae

[It is a rod shaped, Gram positive spore forming bacteria that causes American foulbrood disease in honey bees. The spores are highly resistant to unfavorable conditions and can survive for longer periods of time in environment and bee products like wax, honey, dead larvae etc.].

d)

Shewanella oneidensis

[It is a Gram negative, facultative aerobic bacteria that can reduce heavy metals such as uranium, iron and lead besides nitrates, sulfates and chromates].