The Phylogenetic Structure of the Coryneform Group of Bacteria

Abstract

The ribosomal 16S RNA of 22 representative organisms of the genera Arthrobacter, Brevibacterium, Cellulomonas, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus and Microbacterium were characterized by oligonucleotide cataloging. Comparative analysis of the data show these genera to be closely related. Genealogically the coryneforms — including the micrococci — can be regarded as members of one broad family, that includes Actinomycetales as well. A separation of this coherent group into distinct families is justified only from a taxonomic point of view.