Draft genome sequence of the cellulolytic Clostridium thermocellum wild-type strain BC1 playing a role in cellulosic biomass degradation

•First draft genome sequence of a Clostridium thermocellum strain isolated from a compost treatment site.•Identification of genes for carbohydrate-active enzymes and cellulosome components.•Possible biotechnological application of C. thermocellum BC1 in thermophilic degradation of cellulosic biomass. The bacterium Clostridium thermocellum BC1, a thermophilic, anaerobic bacterium of the family Clostridiaceae, was isolated from a compost treatment site in Germany. It is able to grow efficiently on cellulose and cellodextrins. The draft genome sequence of C. thermocellum BC1 has been established and provides the genetic basis for application of this microorganism in thermophilic degradation of cellulosic biomass.