Pseudomonadota

Pseudomonadota is a phylum of bacteria that includes the family Pseudomonadaceae, which is known for its members' metabolic diversity and their ability to colonize a wide range of niches. The most well-known genus within this family is Pseudomonas, which includes species that are important in medicine and biotechnology.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Members of the Pseudomonadota are Gram-negative bacteria, characterized by their rod-shaped cells and polar flagella. They are known for their metabolic versatility, being able to utilize a wide range of organic compounds as energy sources. This allows them to inhabit diverse environments, from soil and water to the surfaces of plants and animals.

Genera[edit | edit source]

The Pseudomonadota includes several genera, the most notable of which is Pseudomonas. This genus includes species such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen that can cause infections in humans, and Pseudomonas putida, a soil bacterium that is used in biotechnology for its ability to degrade pollutants.

Other genera in the Pseudomonadota include Azotobacter, which are free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and Acinetobacter, some species of which are opportunistic pathogens in humans.

Medical relevance[edit | edit source]

Several species within the Pseudomonadota are of medical relevance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems or with burns or wounds. It is known for its resistance to many antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat.

Acinetobacter baumannii, another member of the Pseudomonadota, is also a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections and has a similar resistance to antibiotics.

Biotechnological applications[edit | edit source]

Due to their metabolic versatility, members of the Pseudomonadota are used in various biotechnological applications. Pseudomonas putida is used in bioremediation to degrade pollutants in the environment. Other species are used in the production of biofuels and bioplastics.