Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
2.1.2
BACTERIA
Bacteria are unicellular prokaryotes,
i.e.,
their nuclear material is not separated from the
cytoplasm by a nuclear membrane. They range from 0.3 to more than 3 in size, and
possess great specific and functional diversity (Figure III.1). The higher classification of
the prokaryotes is currently somewhat unstable. It is considered to comprise two sub-
kingdoms, the Eubacteria and the Archaea, a group of methanogenic, sulphate-reducing
and extremely halophilic and thermophilic organisms (Woese, 1992). Most groups of
concern to soil functioning belong to the Eubacteria, using the classification of Margulis
and Schwartz, (1998). They will generally be referred to here simply as bacteria.
