DOE Microbial Genome Program Report

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A Historic Microbe
DOE Microbial Genome Program Report

The bacterium Clostridium acetobutylicum enjoys an unusual place in history. This microbe was discovered in 1915 by Chaim Weizmann, who noted its ability to convert starch into the organic solvents acetone and butanol, which have multiple applications in industrial settings. Shortly afterward, Great Britain used C. acetobutylicum to generate acetone for producing cordite for artillery shells in World War I. In gratitude for Weizmann's work, the British government offered to honor him, but he asked instead for support of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This led to the Balfour Declaration of 1917, committing Britain to sanction what became in 1948 the state of Israel, with Weizmann as its first president.

Scientists hope the availability of this bacterium's genomic sequence, finished in 1999, will lead to a better understanding of its biochemistry and eventually to the replacement of current processes that rely on petroleum and natural gas for organic solvent production. Additionally, some Clostridia species are major pathogens. One produces the food toxin that causes botulism, and others are responsible for such rapidly spreading infections as tetanus and gangrene. DNA sequence comparisons of these species could yield insights into what enables some to cause harm to humans.