Clostridium

Abstract

Species of the genus Clostridium are Gram‐positive, strictly anaerobic or moderately aerotolerant bacteria, producers of endospores, and unable of dissimilatory sulfate reduction. Clostridia are able to metabolize a variety of substances, and the respective fermentation pathways are diverse. Meanwhile, all techniques (culturing techniques and techniques for genetic manipulation) necessary to effectively work with clostridia in the laboratory are established. Clostridia are often considered as dangerous to humankind. This is due to the well‐known species C. botulinum and C. tetani producing the most dangerous natural toxins (botulinum toxin and tetanus toxin, respectively). Albeit very famous, these and some other dangerous species represent a minority within the genus Clostridium . The majority of the approximately 150 validly described Clostridium species are absolutely safe to mankind, and moreover, they are of utmost importance for biotechnological processes (e.g. production of biofuels, bulk chemicals) and medical treatments (e.g. cancer treatment). Even the above mentioned botulinum toxin is nowadays used to treat diseases, and it is even more popular as a tool in cosmetics. The versatile use of different Clostridium species turns the genus to the avant‐garde of industrially useful microorganisms. The biotechnological and medical potentials of this genus are underlined by a number of books devoted to this specific group of bacteria that have been published in the last 19 years.

Physiology and Sporulation in Clostridium

“…Due to the limited space of this article, many aspects cannot be presented in detail. Thus, the interested reader is referred to recent references for additional information (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6).…”