Micrococcales

Micrococcales is an order of bacteria within the class Actinomycetia. Members of this order are Gram-positive, non-motile, and typically found in a variety of environments including soil, water, and as part of the normal flora of humans and animals.

Taxonomy

The order Micrococcales includes several families, genera, and species. The primary families within this order are:

• Micrococcaceae
• Dermabacteraceae
• Cellulomonadaceae
• Dermacoccaceae
• Intrasporangiaceae

Characteristics

Micrococcales are characterized by their Gram-positive cell walls, which are thick and composed primarily of peptidoglycan. They are generally non-motile and do not form spores. Many species within this order are known for their ability to degrade complex organic compounds, making them important in bioremediation and biodegradation processes.

Ecology

Members of the order Micrococcales are found in diverse environments. They are commonly isolated from soil, water, and air. Some species are part of the normal microbiota of humans and animals, residing on the skin and mucous membranes. They play a role in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling in the environment.

Notable Genera

Some notable genera within the order Micrococcales include:

• Micrococcus - Known for their spherical shape and presence on human skin.
• Arthrobacter - Noted for their ability to degrade a wide range of organic compounds.
• Cellulomonas - Important for their role in cellulose degradation.
• Dermacoccus - Found in marine environments and known for their unique pigmentation.

Clinical Significance

While many members of Micrococcales are harmless, some can be opportunistic pathogens. For example, species of the genus Micrococcus can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. Proper identification and understanding of these bacteria are important in clinical microbiology.

Related Pages

• Actinomycetia
• Gram-positive bacteria
• Microbiota
• Bioremediation
• Biodegradation