Hyphomicrobiales

Hyphomicrobiales is an order of bacteria within the class Alphaproteobacteria. This order is characterized by its members' ability to form prosthecae, which are cellular appendages that increase the surface area of the cell and aid in nutrient uptake. The order Hyphomicrobiales includes several families, such as Hyphomicrobiaceae, Rhodomicrobiaceae, and Phyllobacteriaceae.

Taxonomy

The order Hyphomicrobiales is part of the class Alphaproteobacteria, which is within the phylum Proteobacteria. This order includes the following families:

• Hyphomicrobiaceae
• Rhodomicrobiaceae
• Phyllobacteriaceae

Characteristics

Members of the order Hyphomicrobiales are known for their ability to form prosthecae. These are cellular appendages that increase the surface area of the cell, which can aid in nutrient uptake. This characteristic is particularly useful in nutrient-poor environments.

Ecology

Hyphomicrobiales are found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and plant surfaces. They play important roles in nutrient cycling, particularly in the nitrogen cycle, where they can fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use.

Medical relevance

While Hyphomicrobiales are not typically pathogenic, they can be opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised individuals. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential medical relevance of this order of bacteria.

See also

• Proteobacteria
• Alphaproteobacteria
• Bacteria

• 
  Agrobacterium tumefaciens