Gluconobacter

views updated

Gluconobacter (family Acetobacteraceae) A genus of bacteria in which the cells are ovoid or rod-shaped. They are aerobic chemo-organotrophs which can oxidize ethanol (ethyl alcohol) to acetic acid, and are found in soils and in plant materials, e.g. flowers, fruit, and products such as wine and cider. They can cause spoilage of alcoholic beverages.