Pseudomonas Putida 

Introduction:

Pseudomonas putida is a petroleum eating bacteria. The reason for why people called this bacteria a petroleum eating bacteria was because there was an oil spill in the Mediterranean sea. Many people believed that there wasn't a lot of potential in this bacteria. Still, when an oil ship called the Prestige sank on November 19^th, 2002, people began to search for ways of cleaning oil spills. Then the bacteria option came back. After a few months the bacteria became a synthetic bacteria. This was the way this bacteria got its name. (history was my job roberto)

Characterisitics:

Pseudomonas putida is the scientific name for our bacteria. For its formal scientific name click here.

Aerobic Metabolism

• This means that its cells break down organic compounds
• With oxygen as the final electron acceptor

Gram-Negative Bacterium

• This bacteria stains pink with gram stain
• It contains an outer covering in its cell wall

Structure

• Contains a flagellum therefore it ois motile
• It has a cell wall
• Bacteria is rod shaped
• Lacks spores

Nutritional Requirements: Chemoautotroph

• Synthesizes organic compounds
• Uses chemicals instead of light

Reproduction: Asexually

• Cell growth
• Binary cell division

Habitat:

• It can be found in soil and in water.
• Has been able to survive in sterile water for over a year
• prefers soil with greater clay content

 History:

the prospect of actually using the Pseudomonas Putida for practical use is a very new one, only about 10 years old. This was put to rest, because it did not seem to have very much potential. Then on November 19^th, 2002 the oil ship “the Prestige” sank in the Mediterranean. This started a search for a better way to clean up oil. This is when the bacteria option came back up. After several months the bacteria became a working synthetic bacteria. Although it works perfectly it is unclear if it would have effects on the environment which is why it has not been used in the enviornment.