Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis, also known as the hay bacillus or grass bacillus, is a Gram-positive, catalase-positive bacterium, found in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants and humans. A member of the genus Bacillus, B. subtilis is rod-shaped, and can form a tough, protective endospore, allowing it to tolerate extreme environmental conditions.

Classification

Bacillus subtilis is a member of the Bacillus genus of the Firmicutes phylum in the Bacteria domain. The species was originally classified in 1835 by Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg, and its name is Latin for "subtle".

Characteristics

Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive bacterium, meaning it has a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane. It is catalase-positive, and can form a tough, protective endospore, allowing it to tolerate extreme environmental conditions. B. subtilis has proven highly adaptable to harsh environments, and is not considered a human pathogen.

Research and uses

Bacillus subtilis is widely used in biotechnology and genetics research due to its ability to secrete large amounts of enzymes. It is also used in the fermentation of soybean products and as a soil inoculant in horticulture. In medicine, B. subtilis is used as a probiotic in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

See also

• Bacillus
• Gram-positive bacteria
• Endospore
• Probiotic