Bacteria Genomes - ACINETOBACTER

Acinetobacter species are oxidase-negative, non-motile bacteria which appear as Gram-negative coccobacilli in pairs under the microscope. Identifying the different species of this genus can be done through the use of FLN (Flourescence-Lactose-Denitrification medium) acid results which determines the amount of acid produced from metabolising glucose. Acinetobacter are characterised as strictly aerobic non-motile heterotrophic mesophiles capable of utilising a great variety of substrates as carbon sources, from alkanes to organic acids, especially aromatic ones.

Many species of Acinetobacter can cause infection and can be linked to many hospital acquired infections including skin and wound infections, pneumonia, and meningitis.

Their chemical composition is similar to that of Escherichia coli , except for the absence of the polyamine putrescine and its derivatives, which are replaced by diaminopropane. The Acinetobacter species ADP1 is a soil isolate which can be transformed easily. The size of the Acinetobacter chromosome is estimated at 3.8 Mbp.

References:

http://medic.med.uth.tmc.edu/path/00001488.htm
http://www.genoscope.cns.fr/externe/English/Projets/Projet_DY/DY.html