Selected bacterial species classification and their characteristics

• The classification system used is according to Bergey’s Manual which is   Based on THREE (3) primary things:

•Gram positive cell wall (G+ve) or Gram negative cell wall (G-ve)

1.  Cell Wall  (or lack of cell wall) : i.e. Gram’s stain reaction

A. Rod-shaped or  Bacillus; bacilli  e.g. (E-Coli)

B. Spherical-shaped or Coccus; cocci  e.g.(Strep)

E . Spiral-shaped or Spirillum; spirilla (Leptrospira)

F. Vibrio.

2.Cell Morphology (shape): 

3.  Biochemical characteristics:  sugars they ferment, enzymes like catalase and oxidase, decarboxylase, etc.