Gammaproteobacteria

Gammaproteobacteria (pronunciation: /ˌɡæməˌproʊti.oʊbækˈtɪəriə/) is a class of several medically, ecologically, and scientifically important groups of bacteria.

Etymology

The term "Gammaproteobacteria" comes from the Greek word "gamma" which is the third letter of the Greek alphabet, and "proteobacteria", a phylum of gram-negative bacteria, implying it's the third main subgroup of the phylum.

Definition

Gammaproteobacteria is a class within the phylum Proteobacteria. They are gram-negative bacteria that include several medically and scientifically important groups such as Enterobacteriaceae, Vibrionaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae.

Characteristics

Gammaproteobacteria are diverse in their metabolic capabilities. They can be found in various environments such as soil, water, and humans. They are known for their ability to perform a wide range of metabolic types including photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and fermentation.

Medical Relevance

Many species of Gammaproteobacteria are pathogenic to humans and animals. For example, the family Enterobacteriaceae includes many common pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Other species are important in medicine for their roles in the human gut microbiome or as opportunistic pathogens.

Related Terms

Proteobacteria: The phylum to which Gammaproteobacteria belongs.
Enterobacteriaceae: A family of Gammaproteobacteria that includes many common pathogens.
Vibrionaceae: A family of Gammaproteobacteria that includes species which cause cholera.
Pseudomonadaceae: A family of Gammaproteobacteria that includes species which are opportunistic pathogens.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Gammaproteobacteria
Wikipedia's article - Gammaproteobacteria

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Gammaproteobacteria