Posts Tagged ‘toxins’
What is Sphingomonas?
Sphingomonas is a genus of bacteria with 20 known species, and a variety of uses and applications. As with many members of the bacterial world, researchers are still learning more about Sphingomonas, as it survives, and where you want to live. These bacteria are notoriously resistant, and can be found in a wide range of environments, illustrating their versatility and determination to grow wherever they land.
These bacteria form colonies that are white to yellow in color. Individuals are rod-shaped, and all the members of this genus appear to be aerobic, which requires a supply of oxygen to survive. In the Gram stain, Gram-negative Sphingomonas seem to be. One of the most remarkable of this kind is that Sphingomonas can survive in areas with minimal available nutrients. They can be found in soil and water, and can colonize the plants, corals and items such as shower curtains, sinks, and door handles. Although very little power is available, bacteria will do, and colonies have been discovered in Florida in areas heavily polluted conditions, suggesting that Sphingomonas can live oil and a variety of toxins. Read the rest of this entry »