Entomoplasmatales

Entomoplasmatales is an order of bacteria within the class Mollicutes. This order includes two families: Entomoplasmataceae and Spiroplasmataceae. These bacteria are characterized by their lack of a cell wall and their ability to inhabit various hosts, including insects and plants.

Characteristics

Members of the Entomoplasmatales order are distinguished by their lack of a cell wall, a characteristic that is shared by all Mollicutes. This absence of a cell wall gives these bacteria a pleomorphic shape, meaning they can take on various forms. They are also capable of inhabiting a wide range of hosts, including insects and plants.

Families

Entomoplasmataceae

The Entomoplasmataceae family includes the genera Entomoplasma and Mesoplasma. These bacteria are primarily found in insects and have been associated with various diseases in these hosts.

Spiroplasmataceae

The Spiroplasmataceae family includes the genus Spiroplasma. These bacteria are known for their helical shape and their ability to cause diseases in plants and insects.

Pathogenicity

Some members of the Entomoplasmatales order are pathogenic, causing diseases in their hosts. For example, certain species of Spiroplasma are known to cause Citrus Stubborn Disease in citrus plants and Corn Stunt Disease in corn plants.

See also

• Mollicutes
• Entomoplasmataceae
• Spiroplasmataceae