Taxonomy
- Domain: Bacteria
- Phylum: Proteobacteria
- Class: Alphaproteobacteria
- Order: Sphingomonadales
- Family: Sphingomonadaceae
- Genus: Sphingosinicella
- Species: Sphingosinicella humi
Description
Sphingosinicella humi is a species of Gram‑negative, aerobic bacteria within the family Sphingomonadaceae. Members of the genus are generally rod‑shaped, non‑spore‑forming and exhibit the characteristic presence of sphingolipids in their cell membranes. The specific epithet humi is derived from the Latin word for “soil,” indicating the environment from which the type strain was originally isolated.
Isolation and Habitat
The type strain of S. humi was isolated from a soil sample; the precise geographic location and environmental conditions of the collection site were reported in the original description of the species. Soil habitats are common sources for members of the genus, which are known for their metabolic versatility and ability to degrade a variety of organic compounds.
Physiological and Biochemical Traits
While detailed phenotypic characteristics for S. humi are documented in its formal species description, general traits shared by the genus include:
- Aerobic metabolism
- Positive reactions for catalase and oxidase enzymes
- Growth at mesophilic temperatures (typically ranging from 20 °C to 37 °C)
Etymology
The genus name Sphingosinicella reflects the presence of sphingolipids in the bacterial cell membrane, a feature distinguishing it from many other Proteobacteria. The species name humi (Latin, “of soil”) denotes the origin of the isolate.
Scientific Significance
Species of Sphingosinicella have attracted interest due to their potential roles in bioremediation and degradation of environmental pollutants, owing to their metabolic capabilities. The discovery of S. humi adds to the diversity of soil‑associated sphingomonads and provides a reference point for further ecological and biotechnological studies.
References
- Original species description published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (year and authors as per the primary literature).
Note: Specific accession numbers for the type strain and detailed physiological data are available in the primary taxonomic publication.
