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FlexibacterRANK: GenusTAXONOMY: Bacteria -> Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi group -> Bacteroidetes -> Cytophagia -> Cytophagales -> Cytophagaceae -> Flexibacter OVERVIEW: 'Flexibacter' is a genus of bacteria consisting of some seventeen strains (or species), known for their yellow hue. Etymology: L. part. adj. flexus (from. L. v. flecto), bent, winding; N.L. masc. n. -bacter bacter, rod; N.L. masc. n. Flexibacter, intended to mean flexible rod.Slender rod-shaped cells of variable length, 0.2–0.6 µm wide and typically 10–50 µm long, flexible, and with tapering or rounded ends. Gliding, but nonmotile stages may occur. In some species, there is a (cyclic) change in cell morphology. The cell mass is usually pigmented yellow to orange, but sometimes vary pale or even colorless. The pigments are cell-bound and often are carotenoids and/or of the flexirubin type. Chemo-organotrophs. Strictly aerobic or facultatively anaerobic. Peptones and amino acid mixtures serve as nitrogen sources. Various sugars are utilized. Cellulose and agar are not attacked, but chitin and starch are often hydrolyzed. DNA G+C content (mol%): 37–47. Type species: Flexibacter flexilis |