These are Gram-negative or Gram-variable, non-sporing non-acid fast rods or ellipsoidal cells. They are motile with either pertrichous (Acetobacter), or polar flagellae (Gluconobacter, Frateuria). They are oxidase negative and being obligate aerobes have a respiratory metabolism. They are characterised acidifying glucose below pH 4.5. They grow best between 25 and 30°C. They do not liquify gelatin, reduce nitrates or form indole. They oxidise ethanol to acetic acid. They have all the enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. There are currently three genera accepted in the family. The genus Acetobacter is the type genus. The other genera are Gluconobacter and Frateuria. The GC content of the DNA is 55-63 mol%.

Genera

Acetobacter : There are currently many species recognized within this genus. They differ on the basis of production of a water-soluble brown pigment, formation of unusual metabolites, requirements for growth factors and ability to grow on ethanol, methanol, acetate, amino acids, production of H2S and ubiquinone type. They may be motile with peritrichous flagellae. They oxidise acetate and lactate to CO2 and H2O. A recently described species (A. diazotrophicus) is capable of fixing nitrogen. The GC content of the DNA is 55-63 mol%.

Gluconobacter :

Frateuria:

Species Profiles

A. aceti

© Copyright Microbionet.

All literary matter in Microbionet is covered by copyright, and must not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by electronic or mechanical means, photocopying, or recording, without written permission. This page is to be read in conjunction with the Disclaimer.

Use of this site signifes your agreement to the Legal Notices. Legal Notices © Copyright Microbionet. All rights reserved.