Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
10:23
Characterizing Mediated Extracellular Electron Transfer in Lactic Acid Bacteria with a Three-Electrode, Two-Chamber Bioelectrochemical System
Published on: August 23, 2024
Enterococcus plantarum sp. nov., isolated from plants.
Pavel Švec1, Peter Vandamme2, Hana Bryndová1
1Czech Collection of Microorganisms, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Tvrdého 14, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
Summary
Researchers discovered a new bacterial species, Enterococcus plantarum, isolated from plants. This novel species is distinct from known enterococci, confirmed by genetic and phenotypic analyses.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Plant Science
Background:
- Enterococci are common bacteria found in various environments.
- Screening plant-associated microbial communities can reveal novel bacterial species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize novel bacterial isolates from plant surfaces.
- To determine the taxonomic position of these isolates within the genus Enterococcus.
Main Methods:
- rep-PCR fingerprinting using the (GTG)(5) primer.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
- Sequencing of pheS and rpoA genes.
- Whole-cell protein fingerprinting, automated ribotyping, and extensive phenotyping.
Main Results:
- Eight Gram-positive, catalase-negative bacterial strains were isolated.
- The isolates formed a distinct cluster separate from known Enterococcus species.
- Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the isolates belong to the genus Enterococcus but represent a novel species.
- Genetic and phenotypic homogeneity was observed among the isolates.
Conclusions:
- The isolates represent a novel species, Enterococcus plantarum sp. nov.
- The type strain is CCM 7889(T).
- This discovery expands the known diversity of Enterococcus species associated with plants.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Microbe-Plant Interactions
Microbe-plant interactions represent a dynamic spectrum of associations shaped by intricate chemical signaling. These interactions can be neutral, beneficial, or detrimental, and profoundly influence plant physiology, growth, and ecosystem function. The plant microbiome, comprising bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists, and viruses, plays a pivotal role in mediating these effects through surface colonization, internal colonization, or systemic symbiosis.Mutualistic associations, particularly with...
02:11The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
01:25Rapid Identification of Pathogens
MALDI-TOF MS has transformed clinical microbiology by offering a rapid and reliable method for pathogen identification. The traditional approach to microbial identification typically involves time-consuming culture techniques and biochemical tests, which can delay the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. MALDI-TOF MS avoids these delays by using characteristic ribosomal protein mass patterns of microbial cells, enabling accurate species-level identification within minutes.Principle...
01:26Bacterial Phylum Planctomycetes
Planctomycetes are a group of morphologically distinct bacteria predominantly classified into two orders: Planctomycetales and Brocadiales. These gram-negative bacteria exhibit unique features, including division by budding and the presence of stalks or appendages. Their cells are often found in rosette arrangements, and they are notable for possessing an S-layer in their cell envelope, which is relatively uncommon among bacteria. Additionally, Planctomycetes frequently exhibit intracellular...
01:18Other Unique Bacteria
Magnetic bacteria exhibit a directed movement called magnetotaxis, driven by structures called magnetosomes. These magnetosomes consist of chains of magnetic particles made of either magnetite (Fe₃O₄) or greigite (Fe₃S₄) and are organized in a linear conformation by a protein scaffold within invaginations of the cell membrane. The bacteria align along the north–south magnetic field lines, much like a compass needle. They are typically microaerophilic or anaerobic and are commonly found near the...
01:25Microbial Mats
Microbial communities forming biofilms and mats represent complex, spatially structured ecosystems where metabolic processes are stratified according to light, oxygen, and nutrient gradients. Biofilms are initial colonization stages, only a few millimeters thick, while mature microbial mats can reach centimeter-scale thickness and display intricate vertical organization. Their structural and functional heterogeneity allows microorganisms to occupy distinct ecological niches within a few...