One member of this genus was used by Chaim Weizmann to produce acetone, n-butanol, and ethanol from starch.
One member of this genus was used by Chaim Weizmann to produce acetone, n-butanol, and ethanol from starch. One species was formerly known as welchii, and is the causative agent of pulpy kidney disease in livestock, as well as the condition known as "tissue gas" in decomposing corpses. Opportunistic proliferation in the bowel with another of its species is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Members of this genus produce hardy endospores that often give their cells a "tennis racket" appearance. The toxin produced from one of its species inhibits vesicular fusion proteins at neuromuscular junctions, causing paralysis; a purified form of the "A" subtype of this toxin has been commercialized by Allergan for cosmetic uses. For 10 points, name this genus of obligate anaerobe Gram-positive bacteria that includes the species perfringens, difficle, tetani, and botulinum.
One member of this genus was used by Chaim Weizmann to produce acetone, n-butanol, and ethanol from starch.
Clostridium