Genus/species (aliases): Gluconobacter oxydans (Acetobacter suboxydans)
Gram Stain: Negative
Morphology:
- Cell: ovoid, no flagella (non-motile), 0.8µm x 4.2µm
- Colony: circular, diameter of 3mm, convex, white/yellow/brown depending on age, regularly edged
- Liquid Growth: dispersed
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Physiological Traits:
Obligate aerobe that utilizes alcohol as its primary substrate to produce acetic acid.
Ecological Traits:
Found in sugar rich, or alcoholic areas, tolerant of low pH’s, but optimum pH of 5.5-6.0, optimal growth at 25-30 degrees C, no growth at 37 C.
Distinguishing Features:
Role in wine:
Oxidizes ethanol to acetic acid in wines.
Sensitivities:
- SO2: X
- Sorbate:
- DMDC: X
- pH:
- Acids:
- Anaerobiosis:
- Heat: X
References:
Olijve, W., J.J. Kok. 1979. Analysis of growth of Gluconobacter oxydans in glucose containing media. Achrives of Microbiol. 121:283-290.