Sphingomonadales
Sphingomonadales is an order of bacteria within the class Alphaproteobacteria. This order is characterized by its unique lipid composition, which includes sphingolipids, a type of lipid not commonly found in other bacteria. Sphingomonadales are known for their ability to degrade a wide range of organic compounds, including several pollutants.
Taxonomy[edit | edit source]
The order Sphingomonadales is divided into four families: Sphingomonadaceae, Erythrobacteraceae, Sphingobacteriaceae, and Sphingopyxidaceae. These families encompass a diverse range of bacterial species, many of which have been isolated from various environmental sources such as soil, water, and even contaminated sites.
Sphingomonadaceae[edit | edit source]
The family Sphingomonadaceae includes the genera Sphingomonas, Novosphingobium, Sphingobium, and Sphingopyxis. These bacteria are known for their ability to degrade a wide range of organic compounds, including several pollutants.
Erythrobacteraceae[edit | edit source]
The family Erythrobacteraceae includes the genera Erythrobacter, Porphyrobacter, and Erythromicrobium. These bacteria are primarily photosynthetic and are often found in marine environments.
Sphingobacteriaceae[edit | edit source]
The family Sphingobacteriaceae includes the genera Sphingobacterium, Pedobacter, and Sphingobacterium. These bacteria are known for their ability to degrade complex carbohydrates.
Sphingopyxidaceae[edit | edit source]
The family Sphingopyxidaceae includes the genera Sphingopyxis and Erythromonas. These bacteria are known for their ability to degrade a wide range of organic compounds.
Ecology[edit | edit source]
Sphingomonadales are found in a wide range of environments, including soil, water, and even contaminated sites. They play a crucial role in the degradation of organic matter and the cycling of nutrients in these environments.
Medical relevance[edit | edit source]
Some species of Sphingomonadales have been associated with human disease, including Sphingomonas paucimobilis, which has been implicated in a variety of infections.
See also[edit | edit source]
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