Streptococcus oralis

Streptococcus oralis
Scientific classification
Domain: Bacteria
Phylum: Firmicutes
Class: Bacilli
Order: Lactobacillales
Family: Streptococcaceae
Genus: Streptococcus
Species: S. oralis
Binomial name
Streptococcus oralis

Streptococcus oralis is a Gram positive bacterium that grows characteristically in chains. It forms small white colonies on a Wilkins-Chalgren agar plate. It is found in high numbers in the oral cavity. It has been classified as a member of the Streptococcus mitis group. Members of this group are opportunistic pathogens. Strains of S. oralis produce neuraminidase and an IgA protease and cannot bind α-amylase.

Natural genetic transformation

S. oralis is competent for natural genetic transformation. Thus S. oralis cells are able to take up exogenous DNA and incorporate exogenous sequence information into their genomes by homologous recombination.[1] These bacteria can employ a predatory fratricidal mechanism for active acquisition of homologous DNA.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 Johnsborg O, Eldholm V, Bjørnstad ML, Håvarstein LS (2008). "A predatory mechanism dramatically increases the efficiency of lateral gene transfer in Streptococcus pneumoniae and related commensal species". Mol. Microbiol. 69 (1): 245–53. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2958.2008.06288.x. PMID 18485065.

Note


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