Faktoriella

Faktoriella is a genus of bacteria in the family Faktoriaceae, within the phylum Proteobacteria. It was first described in 2005 by Novak and colleagues, with the type species Faktoriella factoris. The genus name combines a nod to factor, reflecting a proposed role in integrating environmental signals in microbial communities. Members are primarily isolated from soil and freshwater environments, though occasional marine isolates have been reported.

Cells of Faktoriella are Gram-negative and mostly rod-shaped, measuring roughly 0.8–1.5 micrometers in length. Most described species are motile by external flagella, and colonies are typically pale to yellowish. Metabolism is chemoorganoheterotrophic, with aerobic respiration as the preferred energy-yielding pathway; some strains can grow facultatively anaerobically under microaerophilic conditions.

Ecologically, Faktoriella species are found in nutrient-rich microhabitats such as the rhizosphere and biofilms on submerged surfaces. They participate in organic matter turnover and may interact with plant hosts, though their precise ecological roles are still being investigated.

Genomic analyses show genome sizes in the 3.2–4.8 Mb range, with GC contents around 60–66%. Genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, adhesion, and transport systems are common, and several genomes carry secretion systems consistent with interactions with other microbes or hosts.

Two species have been described: Faktoriella factoris (the type species) and Faktoriella simplex. The genus is of interest to studies of microbial ecology and potential biotechnological applications, including bioremediation and plant-microbe interactions, though further isolation and characterization are needed to clarify its diversity and capabilities.