Rhodococcus is a genus of aerobic, nonsporulating, nonmotile Gram-positive bacteria closely related to Mycobacteria and Corynebacteria.[1][2] While a few species are pathogenic, most are benign and have been found to thrive in a broad range of environments, including soil, water, and eukaryotic cells.
REF: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodococcus Acessado em 10/10/11
Rhodococcus is a genus of non-motile, non-sporulating, aerobic gram-positive filamentous rods of the phylum Actinobacteria (1). These organisms reside in soil and water environments and are classified as one of the most industrial important organisms. Studies have shown these organisms to grow in both mesophilic (4) and psychrophilic (5) conditions. Strains of Rhodococcus contain enzymes that carry out biologically relevant reactions such as biodesulfurization of fossil fuels, degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and utilization of a wide variety of other organic compounds as energy sources (4). Therefore, Rhodococcus plays an important role in the global recycling of carbon. Additionally, Rhododcoccus is used commercially as a biocatalyst in the production of fossil fuels, bioactive steroids, and acrylamide (1). The production of dioxygenases by Rhodococcus for the degradation of PCBs has become increasingly important to researchers, as they search for a method to degrade the biologically toxic compounds. Additionally, the ability of Rhodococcus to be used in bioremediaion may be essential in decontaminating polluted land and waterways throughout the United States.
Acessado em: http://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/Rhodococcus 10/10/11
