Explain the Bacillus - Characteristics of Bacteria?
Bacillus - It is gram positive, endospore former, obligate aerobic or facultative aerobic rods belonging to order Bacilliales. Spores are spherical, oval or cylindrical and do not cause swelling of sporangia. It may be central or terminal in position. Bacillus is commonly present in soil. Few are pathogenic, e.g., B. anthracis causes anthrax. It may be a possible agent of biological warfare. B. cereus is a cause of food poisoning. Some species e.g. B. thuringiensis are used as bioinsecticides. Several species produces antibiotics and extracellular hydrolytic enzymes.