Pseudomonas fluorescens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pseudomonas fluorescens |
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| Pseudomonas fluorescens under white light | |
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| The same plate under UV light | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pseudomonas
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| Species: |
fluorescens
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| Type strain | |
| ATCC 13525, CCUG 1253, CCEB 546, CFBP 2102, CIP 69.13, DSM 50090, JCM 5963, LMG 1794NBRC 14160, NCCB 76040, NCIMB 9046, NCTC 10038, NRRL B-14678, VKM B-894 | |
| Synonyms | |
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Bacillus fluorescens liquefaciens Flügge 1886 |
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Pseudomonas fluorescens is a common type of bacteria. It is a Gram-negative bacterium, which means it has a specific cell wall structure. These bacteria are shaped like tiny rods. They belong to a larger group called the Pseudomonas genus. Scientists often study P. fluorescens because it is found almost everywhere.
What is Pseudomonas fluorescens?
Pseudomonas fluorescens is a tiny living thing, too small to see without a microscope. It has several tiny tails called flagella that help it move around. This bacterium is very adaptable. It can use many different kinds of food for its metabolism, which is how it gets energy. You can find it in soil and water all over the world.
Amazing Characteristics of This Bacterium
P. fluorescens needs oxygen to live and grow. This is why it is called an obligate aerobe. However, some types can use other things, like nitrate, instead of oxygen. They do this during a process called cellular respiration to get energy.
These bacteria grow best in temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. They are known for a positive result in an oxidase test. This test helps scientists identify different types of bacteria. P. fluorescens also does not break down sugars, which is another way to identify it.
Some types of P. fluorescens make special substances called enzymes. These enzymes include lipases and proteases. These enzymes can cause milk to spoil. They make milk taste bitter, break down its proteins like casein, and make it thick or slimy.
How It Got Its Name
The name Pseudomonas comes from ancient Greek words. Pseudēs means "false," and monas means "a single unit." Early scientists used this name for many tiny germs. The second part of its name, fluorescens, means "glowing." This is because this bacterium makes a special glowing color. It produces a soluble fluorescent pigment called pyoverdin. This pigment helps the bacteria collect iron from their surroundings.
A Diverse Family of Bacteria
Scientists have studied the genetic makeup of many P. fluorescens types. They found that P. fluorescens is not just one single species. Instead, it is a large group of very similar bacteria. Think of it like a big family with many close relatives. This group includes many different species, such as Pseudomonas corrugata and Pseudomonas brassicacearum. Researchers are still learning about all the different kinds within this diverse group.
Working with Slime Molds
P. fluorescens has an interesting relationship with a type of slime mold called Dictyostelium discoideum. Some of these slime molds are like "farmers." They carry P. fluorescens bacteria with them. One type of bacteria acts as food for the slime mold. Another type helps the slime mold by making useful chemicals. This shows how different tiny living things can work together in nature.
Helping Plants and the Environment
Some types of P. fluorescens are very helpful. They can protect plants from harmful fungi and other pests. This is called biocontrol. They also help clean up pollution in the environment.
Protecting Plants from Pests
Certain P. fluorescens strains, like CHA0 or Pf-5, act as natural protectors for plant roots. They guard against harmful fungi, tiny worms called nematodes, and even some insect pests. Scientists believe they do this in a few ways:
- They might make the plant stronger. This helps the plant fight off diseases on its own.
- They might compete with bad microbes in the soil. For example, they can produce siderophores. These are like tiny magnets that grab iron from the soil, leaving less for harmful microbes.
- They might make chemicals that stop other microbes from growing. These chemicals can be like natural antibiotics.
One important chemical they make is called 2,4-DAPG. This compound helps protect plants. Scientists have found the genes that tell the bacteria how to make this protective chemical.
Cleaning Up Pollution
P. fluorescens is also good at cleaning up polluted areas. It can break down harmful substances like oil from spills. This process is called bioremediation. The bacteria make special soaps, called biosurfactants, that help break down the oil. This makes it easier for the bacteria to eat the pollution.
These bacteria can also form sticky layers called biofilms. They can remove harmful nitrates from polluted water. This makes P. fluorescens a valuable helper in keeping our environment clean.
A Natural Way to Fight Mussels
A specific strain of P. fluorescens, called Pf-CL145A, helps control invasive zebra and quagga mussels. These mussels can cause big problems in lakes and rivers. This bacterial strain can kill more than 90% of these mussels. It works by making natural substances that harm the mussels when they eat the bacteria. Even dead Pf-CL145A cells can kill the mussels. This product, called Zequanox, is a safe and natural way to manage these pests.
Useful in Medicine
P. fluorescens is important in medicine because it can produce useful substances. For example, it helps make mupirocin. Mupirocin is an antibiotic used in creams and ointments. It treats skin, ear, and eye infections. It is especially helpful against certain tough-to-treat bacterial infections.
Scientists are also studying P. fluorescens for other medical uses. It can produce special plastics called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). These biodegradable plastics could be used in medical devices or for delivering medicines in the body.
Sometimes, like other bacteria, P. fluorescens can cause problems in people who are already very sick or have weakened defenses. Scientists study these cases to understand how to treat them with the right antibiotics. This bacterium also produces another antibiotic called obafluorin.
Agricultural Benefits
Farmers and scientists are increasingly using P. fluorescens in agriculture. It helps control plant diseases caused by fungi, nematodes, and other bacteria. The bacteria produce natural antibiotics and plant hormones. These substances stop pathogens and make plants stronger. Using P. fluorescens is a natural and sustainable way to protect crops. It helps reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Metabolism
P. fluorescens makes several interesting chemicals. These include phenazine, phenazine carboxylic acid, 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol, and the antibiotic mupirocin.
