Cellulomonadaceae

Cellulomonadaceae is a family of bacteria within the order Actinomycetales. This family is characterized by its ability to degrade cellulose, a complex carbohydrate that forms the cell walls of plants.

Taxonomy

The family Cellulomonadaceae is part of the phylum Actinobacteria, class Actinobacteria, and order Actinomycetales. It currently includes the following genera:

• Cellulomonas
• Oerskovia
• Sphaerisporangium

Characteristics

Members of the Cellulomonadaceae family are Gram-positive, non-motile, and aerobic. They are known for their ability to degrade cellulose, which is a significant component of the plant cell wall. This ability is due to the presence of cellulase, an enzyme that breaks down cellulose into simpler sugars.

Ecology

Cellulomonadaceae bacteria are found in various environments, including soil, water, and decaying plant material. They play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by breaking down plant material and releasing carbon back into the atmosphere.

Medical relevance

While Cellulomonadaceae bacteria are not typically pathogenic, they can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. In such cases, treatment typically involves antibiotics.

See also

• List of bacterial families
• Cellulose