Bacterium (genus)

In biological taxonomy, Bacterium is a genus of rod-shaped bacteria. The genus falls within the family Bacteriaceae and the order Enterobacterales. Members of the genus Bacterium are Gram-negative. The bacteria are typically found in decaying organic matter and soil environments. Historically, the genus Bacterium has undergone significant taxonomic revision, and some species formerly classified within Bacterium have been reclassified into other genera based on phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics. The ongoing advancements in bacterial taxonomy, particularly with the use of molecular techniques, continue to refine the understanding and classification of bacteria within this group and related families. Key characteristics used in the classification and identification of Bacterium species include their morphology, biochemical properties, and genetic composition. Due to taxonomic revisions, verifying the current classification of specific bacteria originally assigned to the Bacterium genus is advised.