Bdellovibrionales

Bdellovibrionales is an order of bacteria that belongs to the class Deltaproteobacteria. This order is composed of two families: Bdellovibrionaceae and Bacteriovoracaceae, which are known for their unique predatory behavior towards other bacteria.

A Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus preying on a larger bacterial cell.

Characteristics

Members of the Bdellovibrionales are small, gram-negative, and rod-shaped bacteria. They are obligate aerobes, meaning they require oxygen to survive. They are also motile, using a single polar flagellum for movement.

Predatory Behavior

Bdellovibrionales are unique among bacteria due to their predatory behavior. They prey on other bacteria by attaching to their cell wall and drilling a hole through it. Once inside, they consume the host's cellular contents, reproduce, and then burst out of the host cell, killing it in the process. This behavior has led to their being studied for potential use in biocontrol of harmful bacteria.

Taxonomy

The order Bdellovibrionales is divided into two families:

• Bdellovibrionaceae: This family includes the genera Bdellovibrio and Bacteriovorax, both of which are known for their predatory behavior.

• Bacteriovoracaceae: This family includes the genera Peredibacter and Bacteriovorax, which are also predatory bacteria.

Ecological Role

Bdellovibrionales play a significant role in controlling bacterial populations in various environments, including soil, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. They can also be found in the human gut, where they may play a role in maintaining microbial balance.

Potential Applications

Due to their ability to kill other bacteria, Bdellovibrionales have been studied for potential use in controlling bacterial infections. They could potentially be used as a form of biological pest control, particularly in aquaculture, where bacterial diseases can be a significant problem.

See Also

• Predatory bacteria
• Bacteriophage
• Biological pest control

References

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