CPAPlaitteella

CPAPlaitteella is a fictional genus of bacteria characterized by the production of plate-like extracellular matrices that organize cells into lattice-like sheets within biofilms. The genus name combines 'plate' with the standard diminutive -ella, reflecting its distinctive surface-associated plates. It has been described in educational and demonstrative contexts to illustrate how microbial communities can structure themselves into organized architectures.

Morphology and physiology: Cells are typically rod-shaped, 0.9–1.3 μm wide and 1.7–3.0 μm long, and primarily Gram-negative. In biofilms, CPAPlaitteella cells secrete an exopolysaccharide-rich matrix that forms flat, plate-like tiles, linking neighboring cells into a two-dimensional lattice. Individual colonies can appear as iridescent, tessellated patches under light.

Habitat and ecology: Reported from temperate freshwater sediments and nutrient-rich soils in teaching collections; isolates thrive in mildly aerobic to microaerophilic microhabitats, especially where organic substrates are abundant. They participate in organic matter turnover and can engage in nitrate reduction under low-oxygen conditions.

Genomics and metabolism: Draft genomes are around 3.2–3.5 Mbp with moderate G+C content. Genes for exopolysaccharide synthesis, pilus formation, and surface adhesion are core features. Metabolism is chemoorganoheterotrophic, with a preference for glucose, acetate, and amino acids; respirations range from aerobic to facultative anaerobic.

Taxonomy and discovery: CPAPlaitteella is placed as incertae sedis within Bacteria, with informal assignment to the Proteobacteria pending future data. The fictional genus was proposed in 2010s demonstrations to discuss biofilm architecture.

Note: This article describes a fictional taxon created for illustrative purposes and is not an extant genus.