Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum

General Information

Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum is a fascinating microorganism primarily known for its role in plant pathology. This bacterium belongs to the family Pectobacteriaceae and is closely related to other species within the Pectobacterium genus, which are notorious for causing soft rot diseases in a variety of plants. What makes Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum particularly interesting is its adaptation to aquatic environments, a trait that is relatively uncommon among its terrestrial relatives. This adaptation suggests a unique ecological niche and potential for studying microbial life in water-based ecosystems. One of the most compelling aspects of Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum is its ability to produce a range of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes, such as pectinases, cellulases, and proteases. These enzymes are crucial for the bacterium's pathogenicity, allowing it to break down plant tissues and cause disease. The study of these enzymes not only provides insights into plant-microbe interactions but also holds potential for industrial applications, such as in the production of biofuels and the processing of agricultural waste. Additionally, Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum has been observed to engage in quorum sensing, a form of bacterial communication that regulates gene expression in response to population density. This mechanism is vital for coordinating the production of virulence factors and biofilm formation, making it a key area of interest for researchers looking to develop novel antimicrobial strategies. Understanding quorum sensing in Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum could lead to breakthroughs in controlling bacterial infections in both agricultural and clinical settings. In summary, Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum stands out due to its aquatic adaptation, its arsenal of plant-degrading enzymes, and its sophisticated quorum sensing capabilities. These characteristics make it a valuable subject for research with implications spanning from agriculture to biotechnology and microbial ecology.

Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum is a fascinating bacterium primarily known for its role in plant pathology, particularly affecting various crops. This organism is part of the larger family of Enterobacteriaceae, which includes many significant pathogens. One of the most interesting aspects of P. quasiaquaticum is its ability to thrive in aquatic environments, which is somewhat unique among its relatives that are typically found in soil or plant tissues. This adaptability to aquatic habitats suggests a potential for diverse ecological interactions and adaptations that are not yet fully understood. Research on P. quasiaquaticum has revealed its capacity to produce a range of pectinolytic enzymes, which are crucial for the breakdown of pectin, a major component of plant cell walls. This enzymatic activity not only facilitates the bacterium's pathogenicity but also makes it a valuable organism for biotechnological applications, particularly in the agricultural sector. Understanding the mechanisms behind its enzyme production could lead to innovative strategies for managing plant diseases caused by this and related pathogens. Moreover, P. quasiaquaticum has been studied for its potential role in the degradation of organic matter in aquatic ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling. This characteristic highlights its ecological importance and opens avenues for research into its interactions with other microorganisms in aquatic environments. In summary, Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum stands out due to its unique habitat preferences, its enzymatic capabilities that impact both plant health and biotechnological applications, and its ecological role in nutrient cycling. These features make it a significant subject of study for both plant pathology and environmental microbiology.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Pseudomonadota

Class: Gammaproteobacteria

Order: Enterobacterales

Family: Pectobacteriaceae

Genus: Pectobacterium

Species: Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum

NCBI ID

2774015

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCA/014/946/825/GCA_014946825.2_ASM1494682v2

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCA_014946825.2_ASM1494682v2_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The organism Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum is a member of the Pectobacteriaceae family, primarily known for its role as a plant pathogen. However, its clinical implications in human health are not as well-documented as those of other members of the genus. While it is primarily associated with plant diseases, particularly in crops like potatoes, there is emerging evidence suggesting that it may have potential implications in human health through its interactions with the environment and other microorganisms. Pathogenicity: Although Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum is not typically recognized as a human pathogen, its close relatives, such as Pectobacterium carotovorum, are known to cause soft rot in various plants and can occasionally be implicated in opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. The pathogenic mechanisms of these bacteria often involve the production of cell wall-degrading enzymes and toxins, which may also be relevant for understanding the pathogenic potential of P. quasiaquaticum. Antimicrobial Resistance: There is limited information regarding the antimicrobial resistance profiles of P. quasiaquaticum. However, the genus Pectobacterium has been noted for its ability to develop resistance to certain antibiotics, which raises concerns about treatment options in cases where it may be involved in human infections. Medical Applications: Currently, there are no well-established medical applications of Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum in terms of probiotics, vaccines, or therapeutics. Its primary relevance remains in agriculture, where it is studied for its impact on crop health and food security. In summary, while Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum is primarily recognized for its role in plant pathology, its potential implications in human health, particularly in relation to opportunistic infections and antimicrobial resistance, warrant further investigation to fully understand its clinical relevance.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum is primarily associated with freshwater environments and wetland ecosystems. This bacterium thrives in nutrient-rich waters, often found in areas where organic matter is abundant, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. Its ecological niche is characterized by its ability to decompose organic materials, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling within these habitats. In these aquatic biomes, Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum interacts with various microorganisms, contributing to the microbial community's diversity. It is known for its pathogenicity towards certain plant species, particularly in aquatic settings, where it can cause soft rot diseases. This interaction highlights its role as a decomposer and a pathogen, influencing both the health of aquatic plants and the overall ecosystem dynamics. The bacterium exhibits remarkable environmental adaptation capabilities, allowing it to survive in fluctuating conditions typical of wetlands. Its presence can indicate changes in water quality and nutrient levels, making it an important organism for biomonitoring efforts. Overall, Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum is a significant player in the freshwater biome, contributing to both ecological balance and the health of aquatic plant communities.

Industrial Application

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The microorganism Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum has shown potential in various industrial applications, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and waste management. This bacterium is known for its ability to degrade pectin, a polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, which positions it as a valuable agent in biodegradation processes. By breaking down pectin, P. quasiaquaticum can contribute to the bioconversion of agricultural waste into useful products, thereby aiding in waste management and promoting sustainability. In the realm of biofuel production, the enzymatic activity of P. quasiaquaticum can be harnessed to facilitate the breakdown of plant materials, making it easier to convert biomass into fermentable sugars. This process is crucial for the production of bioethanol, a renewable energy source. The bacterium's role in fermentation processes can enhance the efficiency of biofuel production, making it a promising candidate for future research and application. Additionally, there is potential for P. quasiaquaticum in pharmaceutical development, particularly in the production of enzymes that can be utilized in drug formulation or as biocatalysts in various chemical reactions. The unique metabolic pathways of this microorganism may lead to the discovery of novel compounds with therapeutic properties. Overall, Pectobacterium quasiaquaticum presents a multifaceted opportunity for innovation across several industries, particularly through its involvement in biodegradation, fermentation, and enzyme production, making it a significant organism for future industrial applications.

Phenotypes and Predictions

The table shows the phenotypes and predictions. Cell colors indicate the class of the value. When literature-based data is available, a checkmark (✓) indicates a correct prediction, while an ✗ indicates an incorrect prediction.

Literature-based phenotypes: 9

LLM predicted phenotypes: 3

Phenotype	High-quality annotation	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro	mistralai/mixtral-8x7b-instruct:nitro	google/gemini-flash-1.5	anthropic/claude-3-haiku:beta	perplexity/llama-3-sonar-small-32k-chat	openchat/openchat-7b	google/gemini-pro	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-4o	openai/gpt-4o	google/gemini-pro-1.5	google/gemini-pro-1.5	anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet	anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet	openai/gpt-4	openai/gpt-4	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	google/gemma-7b-it	google/gemma-7b-it	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct
Motility	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓
Gram staining	gram stain negative	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓
Aerophilicity	N/A	aerotolerant	facultatively anaerobic	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	facultatively anaerobic	facultatively anaerobic	facultatively anaerobic	facultatively anaerobic	facultatively anaerobic	facultatively anaerobic	facultatively anaerobic	facultatively anaerobic	facultatively anaerobic	facultatively anaerobic	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Extreme environment tolerance	FALSE	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗
Biofilm formation	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true
Animal pathogenicity	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Biosafety level	biosafety level 1	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✗
Health association	N/A	false	true	true	true	true	false	true	false	false	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	false	false
Host association	TRUE	false ✗	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓
Plant pathogenicity	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓
Spore formation	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Hemolysis	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cell shape	bacillus	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓

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