Acidovorax facilis

Acidovorax facilis is a species of Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the family Comamonadaceae. It is a member of the class Betaproteobacteria and is known for its role in various environmental and industrial processes.

Taxonomy

Acidovorax facilis was originally described as Pseudomonas facilis by Schatz and Bovell in 1952. It was later reclassified into the genus Acidovorax by Willems et al. in 1990. The genus Acidovorax is part of the order Burkholderiales, which includes several other genera of environmental and pathogenic bacteria.

Morphology

Acidovorax facilis is a rod-shaped, motile bacterium. It possesses a single polar flagellum, which allows it to move in liquid environments. The cells are typically 0.5 to 0.8 micrometers in width and 1.5 to 3.0 micrometers in length. As a Gram-negative bacterium, it has a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides.

Metabolism

Acidovorax facilis is an aerobic organism, meaning it requires oxygen for growth. It is capable of utilizing a wide range of organic compounds as carbon sources, including various amino acids and organic acids. This metabolic versatility makes it an important organism in the degradation of organic pollutants in the environment.

Ecology

Acidovorax facilis is commonly found in soil and water environments. It plays a significant role in the nitrogen cycle, particularly in the process of denitrification, where it reduces nitrate to nitrogen gas. This process is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and preventing the accumulation of nitrates in water bodies, which can lead to eutrophication.

Industrial Applications

Due to its ability to degrade a variety of organic compounds, Acidovorax facilis is used in bioremediation processes to clean up contaminated environments. It is particularly effective in the degradation of aromatic compounds, which are common pollutants in industrial waste.

Pathogenicity

While Acidovorax facilis is primarily known for its environmental role, some species within the genus Acidovorax are plant pathogens. However, A. facilis itself is not typically associated with disease in plants or animals.

Genomics

The genome of Acidovorax facilis has been sequenced, providing insights into its metabolic pathways and ecological functions. The genomic data reveal a large number of genes involved in the degradation of complex organic compounds, supporting its role in bioremediation.

Research

Ongoing research on Acidovorax facilis focuses on its potential applications in environmental biotechnology, particularly in the development of sustainable methods for pollution control. Studies are also exploring its interactions with other microorganisms in the environment and its role in microbial communities.

See also

• Bioremediation
• Denitrification
• Betaproteobacteria

External links

• NCBI Taxonomy Browser: Acidovorax facilis