Cytophaga is a genus of Gram-negative, gliding, rod-shaped bacteria. This bacterium is commonly found in soil, rapidly digests crystalline cellulose[1] C. hutchinsonii is able to use its gliding motility to move quickly over surfaces. Although the mechanism for this is not known, there is a belief that the flagellum is not used [1]
Quick Facts Cytophaga, Scientific classification ...
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Cytophaga
Winogradsky 1929 (Approved Lists 1980) |
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The following are some species in Cytophaga:
- Cytophaga hutchinsonii — aerobic cellulolytic soil bacterium that is known for its ability to rapidly glide over surfaces. The mechanism of cellulose digestion is not fully known; however, it is known that C. hutchinsonii has multiple cell-associated cellulolytic enzymes.[2]
Species previously classified in Cytophaga:
- Flavobacterium psychrophila (previously: "Cytophaga psychrophila)" — causes peduncle or cold water disease in Brook trout; predisposed by subnormal water temperature.
- Flavobacterium columnare (previously: Cytophaga columnaris) — the cause of columnaris disease in salmonid fish, as associated with increased water temperature; it is characterized by white necrotic plaques overlaying skin ulcers; formerly called: Flexibacter columnaris.
- Flavobacterium johnsoniae (previously: Cytophaga johnsonae) — associated with false columnaris disease.
- Breznibacter xylanoticus (previously: Cytophaga xylanolytica) — a gliding bacteria that dominates xylan degradation in freshwater environments [3][4]
