Betaproteobacteria

Definition

Betaproteobacteria are a class of Gram-negative bacteria within the phylum Proteobacteria, characterized by their metabolic diversity. They play significant roles in nitrogen fixation and are commonly found in soil and water environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Betaproteobacteria include important genera such as Neisseria, which includes pathogens responsible for diseases like gonorrhea and meningitis.
2. Members of Betaproteobacteria can perform various metabolic functions, including nitrification and degradation of organic pollutants.
3. They are Gram-negative bacteria with diverse morphologies including rods, cocci, and spirilla.
4. Betaproteobacteria can be found in both aerobic and anaerobic environments, adapting to different ecological niches.
5. Some Betaproteobacteria are part of the normal microbiota of the human skin but can become pathogenic under certain conditions.

Review Questions

Related terms

Proteobacteria:

A major phylum of Gram-negative bacteria that includes classes such as Alpha-, Beta-, Gamma-, Delta-, and Epsilonproteobacteria.

Neisseria:

A genus within Betaproteobacteria that includes species causing gonorrhea and meningitis.

Nitrogen Fixation:

The process by which certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants; some Betaproteobacteria are involved in this process.