|
''Bacillus licheniformis'' is a bacterium commonly found in the soil. It is found on bird feathers, especially chest and back plumage, and most often in ground-dwelling birds (like sparrows) and aquatic species (like ducks). It is a gram-positive, mesophilic bacterium. Its optimal growth temperature is around 30°C, though it can survive at much higher temperatures. The optimal temperature for enzyme secretion is 37°C. It can exist in spore form to resist harsh environments, or in a vegetative state when conditions are good. Scientists are currently exploring its ability to degrade feathers for agricultural purposes. Feathers contain high amounts of non-digestible proteins, but researchers hope that, through fermentation with ''B. licheniformis'', they can use waste feathers to produce cheap and nutritious feather meal to feed livestock. Ecological research is also being done looking at the interaction between plumage colors and ''B. licheniformis'' activity, and the consequences thereof. Feather degrading bacteria may have played an important role in the evolution of molting, and patterns in feather coloration (Gloger's Rule). ==Feather protection through psittacofulvin== Bacillus licheniformis degrades feathers of parrots and other birds, especially white feathers. Red feathers with high levels of psittacofulvin are more resistant.〔Edward H. Burtt, Max R. Schroeder, Lauren A. Smith, Jenna E. Sroka, Kevin J. McGraw (2010): Colourful parrot feathers resist bacterial degradation, Biology Letters, The Royal Society, .〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Bacillus licheniformis」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|