How do scientists use genetics and biochemistry to create new metabolic pathways in bacteria?4 answersScientists utilize a combination of genetics and biochemistry to engineer new metabolic pathways in bacteria. By employing tools like Flow-seq for genotype to phenotype analysis, de novo design of biosynthetic pathways using computational tools, in vivo evolution methods for metabolic pathway optimization, and fine-tuning gene expression through various regulatory elements, researchers can manipulate the presence, catalytic properties, and abundance of enzymes within pathways. Advances in gene synthesis technologies enable the precise engineering of DNA sequences, allowing for the creation of genes, vectors, pathways, and even entire chromosomes with desired nucleotide sequences. This integrated approach facilitates the creation of novel metabolic pathways in bacteria for the production of specific bioproducts.
What is the relationship between rRNA production and metabolism?4 answersrRNA production is closely linked to metabolism. In soil bacteria, there is a positive correlation between the 18O content of DNA and rRNA, indicating that few taxa make new rRNA without synthesizing new DNA. In human cancers, rRNA metabolism-related genes are upregulated, particularly in digestive and respiratory system cancers, and are mainly driven by copy number variation (CNV) gain. Airborne bacteria exhibit metabolic activity and have a higher rRNA content when exposed to gaseous growth substrates, suggesting the potential for protein synthesis while in the airborne state. In mammalian cells, rRNA synthesis is regulated by nucleolar activity, cell proliferation, growth factor signaling pathways, and cellular stress responses. Signaling cascades affect the phosphorylation pattern of the Pol I-specific transcription factor TIF-IA, which in turn affects rDNA transcription and adapts rRNA synthesis to cell growth and proliferation. Methylation of H2AQ105, a histone modification, is involved in the dynamic chromatin network at the rDNA locus and integrates metabolic and proliferative signals for efficient coordination of rRNA transcription and processing.
How Microorganisms Generate Energy from Nitrogen Source?3 answersMicroorganisms generate energy from nitrogen sources through various metabolic pathways. Nitrifying bacteria, such as Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, oxidize ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate, using this process as a source of energy. Methylotrophic microorganisms can utilize methylamine as a carbon source, while non-methylotrophic microorganisms can also use it as a nitrogen source. Soil microorganisms have enzyme systems that regulate the acquisition of nitrogen from organic and mineral compounds. When ammonium is available at high concentrations, the utilization of alternative nitrogen sources is repressed, but when ammonium availability is low, enzyme systems for the acquisition of alternative nitrogen sources are induced. Genetically engineered organisms have been developed that can metabolize atypical nitrogen sources, such as melamine and cyanamide, providing robust processes for industrial bioproduction.
What is the metabolism of Salmonella?4 answersSalmonella enterica is able to sustain replication within the Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV), a nutrient-poor environment, by remodeling the host endosomal system and forming Salmonella-induced filaments (SIFs). Salmonella's intracellular metabolism is highly dependent on host cell line and experimental conditions, showing metabolic plasticity. Salmonella can recognize acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) produced by other species through the SdiA protein, which influences glucose consumption, metabolic profile, and gene expression. Arginine metabolism is important for Salmonella's antioxidant defenses and pH homeostasis, contributing to its virulence. Inflammation-derived electron acceptors induce a complete, oxidative tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in Salmonella, allowing it to compete with the microbiota for colonization and utilize microbiota-derived succinate as a carbon source.
What are the metabolic features of acidibacter related to the cycling of nutrients?5 answersAcidibacter has been shown to be a versatile heterotroph, capable of utilizing a range of carbohydrates and organic compounds for growth. Genomic and metagenomic data predict that Acidibacter has the ability to use nitrite as a nitrogen source, respond to soil nutrients and acidity, express multiple active transporters, degrade gellan gum, and produce exopolysaccharides (EPS). These predicted properties suggest a competitive lifestyle in soil. Acidibacter is also capable of catalyzing the reductive dissolution of ferric iron minerals, causing an increase in pH. However, there is limited physiological evidence confirming these predictions. Further research combining genomic, physiological, and distribution data is needed to fully understand the metabolic features of Acidibacter related to nutrient cycling.
What metabolic pathways does Salmonella use to obtain energy?4 answersSalmonella utilizes multiple metabolic pathways to obtain energy. It has been found that Salmonella catabolizes glucose through the pentose phosphate pathway, with minor fluxes through glycolysis. Additionally, Salmonella can utilize 1,2-propanediol, a microbiota-fermented product, as a carbon source during mucosal inflammation. This utilization is regulated by the EIIANtr protein, which promotes the expression of the pdu operon and enhances glutathione synthesis. Furthermore, Salmonella has the capability to expand its metabolic capabilities through mutations that relieve physiological constraints or increase the expression of existing pathways. These mutations allow Salmonella to grow on novel carbon sources, indicating its ability to adapt and evolve its metabolic capabilities. Overall, Salmonella employs various metabolic pathways, including glucose catabolism and utilization of microbiota-derived carbon sources, to generate energy.