Bacillus
Bacillus is a genus of rod shaped bacteria. They are Gram-positive, meaning they have an extra outside cell layer.
| Bacillus | |
|---|---|
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| Bacillus subtilis, Gram stained | |
| Scientific classification | |
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| Family: | Bacillaceae |
| Genus: | Bacillus Cohn, 1872 |
Bacilli are partly or wholly aerobic. They do aerobic respiration. They are every where in nature. Bacillus includes both free-living (non-parasitic) and parasitic pathogenic species.[1]
Under stressful conditions, they produce endospores. These are not true spores, but like survival pods they can stay in a dormant state for long periods.
Some species of Bacillus are worth noting:
- Bacillus anthracis, which causes Anthrax.
- Bacillus subtilis is considered an model organism. It is often used in genetic engineering.[2]
- Bacillus cereus which is responsible for a form of food poisoning.
- Bacillus thuringensis which is used in pest control. It produces a toxin which can kill some moths, and certain butterflies.
Bacillus antracis- Bacillus subtilis
Bacillus cereus
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References
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