Studies on the Cytophagas

Abstract

Two new representatives of the cytophagas were isolated which differed in certain respects from the previously known members of this group. A detailed study of their morphology and method of locomotion was made. On the basis of this and previous work it is proposed that the cytophagas be included in the Myxobacteriales as the simplest representatives of this order. It is proposed to create a new genus SPOROCYTOPHAGA in the Myxococcaceae for those cytophagas which produce spores (microcysts), and a new family CYTOPHAGACEAE with one genus Cytophaga Winogradsky emend., for the non-spore-producing forms. The phylogeny of the Myxobacteriales is discussed.