Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution
Published on: December 30, 2021
Sphingomonas humi sp. nov., isolated from soil
Tae Hoo Yi1, Chang-Kyun Han, Sathiyaraj Srinivasan
1Department of Oriental Medicinal Manufacturing & Processing, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 446-701, Republic of Korea.
A novel orange, rod-shaped bacterium, Sphingomonas humi sp. nov., was isolated from South Korean soil. Phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic analyses confirm it represents a new species within the Sphingomonas genus.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Taxonomy
- Phylogenetics
Background:
- Soil microorganisms play crucial roles in ecosystem functions.
- Accurate bacterial classification is essential for understanding microbial diversity and function.
- The Sphingomonadaceae family is known for its diverse metabolic capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel bacterium from South Korean soil.
- To determine the taxonomic position of the isolated strain PB323(T).
- To propose a new species within the genus Sphingomonas.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and cultivation of bacteria from soil samples.
- Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences.
- Chemotaxonomic analysis including DNA G+C content, quinone system, and major fatty acids.
- Physiological and biochemical testing for species differentiation.
Main Results:
- Strain PB323(T) was identified as a gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, small, orange, rod-shaped bacterium.
- Phylogenetic analysis showed highest similarity to Sphingomonas kaistensis PB56(T) (98.9%).
- Chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation with the genus Sphingomonas.
- Physiological and biochemical tests confirmed strain PB323(T) as a distinct species.
Conclusions:
- Strain PB323(T) represents a novel species within the genus Sphingomonas.
- The proposed name for this new species is Sphingomonas humi sp. nov.
- This discovery expands the known diversity of the Sphingomonas genus.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Phylum Bacteroidota
Anoxygenic Phototrophic Bacteria
Hyperthermophilic Bacteria
Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria
Other Unique Bacteria
Bacterial Phylum Tenericutes

