Ruminobacter
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Ruminobacter
Classification
Higher order taxa:
Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Gammaproteobacteria; Aeromonadales; Succinivibrionaceae
Species:
Succinimonas amylolytica, S. dextrinosolvens, Ruminobacter amylophilus
Description and Significance
These are all Gram-negative bacteria. Ruminobacter once existed under the classification of Bacteroides amylophilus. It is difficult to cultivate and study these bacteria outside their host, the bovine rumen.
Genome Structure
Little is known about the genomes of these organisms, although they are important to the bovine digestion of plant material.
Cell Structure and Metabolism
Succinimonas are smooth and rod-shaped. They are motile. Succinivibrio are rod-shaped motile organisms with polar flagella. They have a curved spiral shape. Ruminobacter are rod-shaped. They are nonmotile. Cytochromes have not been detected in these organisms.
Succinimonas are anaerobic organisms that break down starch. Succinivibrio are anaerobic bacteria that ferment glucose. They obtains nitrogen through ammonia. Ruminobacter are anaerobic organisms. They utilize molecules such as maltose, maltodextrins, and starch for energy.
These organisms do not form spores. Their life cycle is typical of most bacteria, with reproduction by division.
Ecology
These bacteria inhabit the rumen of cattle and sheep, playing an important role in the digestion process. They colonize their hosts soon after host organisms are born. They are sensitive to changes in diet, age, and environment. Strains of Succinimonas and Succinivibrio have been shown to cause disease, but they are rarely pathogenic in humans.
