What is the class of Firmicutes that includes Clostridium?
Q: What is the class of Firmicutes that includes Clostridium?
A: The class of Firmicutes that includes Clostridium is called the Clostridia.
Q: Are members of the genus Clostridium obligate anaerobes?
A: Yes, members of the genus Clostridium are obligate anaerobes and lack aerobic respiration. Oxygen is toxic to them.
Q: Are species of the genus Clostridium monophyletic or polyphyletic?
A: Studies show that species of the genus Clostridium are highly polyphyletic, meaning they do not form a single evolutionary lineage.
Q: Where can most species of this genus be found?
A: Most species of this genus can be found in soil, but some are human pathogens.
Q: What toxins are produced by some members of this class?
A: Some members of this class produce toxins such as tetanus toxin (known as tetanospasmin) produced by C. tetani and botulinum toxin produced by C. botulinum, which are among the most dangerous known.
Q: What other organisms belong to this class?
A: Heliobacteria also belong to this class.
Q: Name five notable species belonging to this class?
A: Notable species belonging to this class include Clostridium perfringens (Gangrene, food poisoning), Clostridium difficile (Pseudomembranous colitis), Clostridium tetani (Tetanus),Clostridium botulinum (Botulism), andClostridium acetobutylicum
