Sphingomonadales

Sphingomonadales is an order of bacteria within the class Alphaproteobacteria. This order is characterized by its unique lipid composition, which includes sphingolipids, a type of lipid not commonly found in other bacteria. Sphingomonadales are known for their ability to degrade a wide range of organic compounds, including several pollutants.

Taxonomy

The order Sphingomonadales is divided into four families: Sphingomonadaceae, Erythrobacteraceae, Sphingobacteriaceae, and Sphingopyxidaceae. These families encompass a diverse range of bacterial species, many of which have been isolated from various environmental sources such as soil, water, and even contaminated sites.

Sphingomonadaceae

The family Sphingomonadaceae includes the genera Sphingomonas, Novosphingobium, Sphingobium, and Sphingopyxis. These bacteria are known for their ability to degrade a wide range of organic compounds, including several pollutants.

Erythrobacteraceae

The family Erythrobacteraceae includes the genera Erythrobacter, Porphyrobacter, and Erythromicrobium. These bacteria are primarily photosynthetic and are often found in marine environments.

Sphingobacteriaceae

The family Sphingobacteriaceae includes the genera Sphingobacterium, Pedobacter, and Sphingobacterium. These bacteria are known for their ability to degrade complex carbohydrates.

Sphingopyxidaceae

The family Sphingopyxidaceae includes the genera Sphingopyxis and Erythromonas. These bacteria are known for their ability to degrade a wide range of organic compounds.

Ecology

Sphingomonadales are found in a wide range of environments, including soil, water, and even contaminated sites. They play a crucial role in the degradation of organic matter and the cycling of nutrients in these environments.

Medical relevance

Some species of Sphingomonadales have been associated with human disease, including Sphingomonas paucimobilis, which has been implicated in a variety of infections.

See also

• Bacteria
• Alphaproteobacteria
• Sphingolipids