Phylogenetic analysis of the genera Planococcus, Marinococcus and Sporosarcina and their relationships to members of the genus Bacillus.

A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA was performed on the genera Planococcus, Marinococcus, Sporosarcina and endospore-forming rods. In agreement with earlier 16S rRNA cataloguing data, Planococcus citreus and Sporosarcina ureae clustered with Bacillus pasteurii and other bacilli containing lysine in their cell walls. Sporosarcina halophila was shown to be genetically distinct from S. ureae and formed a loose association with the main Bacillus subtilis grouping. Marinococcus halophilus (formerly Planococcus halophilus) exhibited low levels of relatedness to all reference species examined and formed a distinct line of descent.