Gemmatimonadales

Gemmatimonadales is an order of bacteria belonging to the phylum Gemmatimonadetes. These bacteria were first discovered in 2003 from soil samples. Gemmatimonadetes are Gram-negative and rod-shaped. They are obligate aerobes and their optimal growth temperature is around 25-30 degrees Celsius. Gemmatimonadales are chemoheterotrophs, meaning they obtain energy by oxidizing organic compounds and carbon from organic sources. Their metabolism is not fully understood, but they are thought to play roles in nutrient cycling in soil environments.

Members of Gemmatimonadales have been isolated from diverse environments including soil, sand, and freshwater. They have been found in various geographical locations worldwide, suggesting a widespread distribution. While their exact ecological functions are still under investigation, some studies suggest they may be involved in the degradation of complex organic matter. Phylogenetic analysis places Gemmatimonadetes as a distinct lineage within the bacterial domain, separate from other major phyla. Further research is ongoing to characterize the diversity and ecological significance of this bacterial order.