Priestia

Priestia is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria belonging to the family Bacillaceae. The genus was first proposed and described in 2017, with the type species being Priestia megaterium (formerly Bacillus megaterium). This reclassification was based on phylogenetic analysis and chemotaxonomic differences that distinguished Priestia from other members of the Bacillus genus.

Priestia species are typically rod-shaped and motile. They are widely distributed in various environments, including soil, water, and air. Certain species within the Priestia genus are known for their biotechnological applications, particularly in the production of enzymes and other industrially relevant compounds. Priestia megaterium, for example, is used in the production of penicillin acylase and other enzymes, as well as in the biocontrol of plant pathogens.

The key characteristics that differentiate Priestia from other related genera include differences in cell wall composition, fatty acid profiles, and phylogenetic markers determined through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and other molecular techniques. Ongoing research continues to refine the taxonomic classification and explore the diverse metabolic capabilities of Priestia species.