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VitreoscillaRANK: GenusTAXONOMY: cellular organisms -> Bacteria -> Proteobacteria -> Betaproteobacteria -> Neisseriales -> Neisseriaceae -> Vitreoscilla OVERVIEW: Cylindrical cells (two species) or sausage-shaped cells (one species) ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 µm in diameter. The organisms occur as colorless filaments with lengths up to several hundred µm. Two species have cells that are not normally visible within filaments; one species has cells that are clearly visible within the filaments. Gram negative. Gliding motility. No locomotor organelles known. Resting stages are not known. Sheaths and holdfasts are not produced. Nonpigmented. Aerobic to microaerophilic, having a respiratory type of metabolism with oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor. No growth anaerobically. Sulfur inclusions are not formed from hydrogen sulfide or thiosulfate. Chemoorganotrophic. Two species are oligotrophic and grow best at low nutrient concentrations; one species can grow luxuriantly on rich media, e.g., 0.5% peptone broth. Various organic acids and amino acids are used as carbon and energy sources. Found in dung, soil, water with decaying plant material, sediments, and in association with oscillatorian mats.The mol% G + C of the DNA is: 42–63.Type species: Vitreoscilla beggiatoides |