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Corynebacteria are Gram - positive irregular rods; they are non-sporing and often have a club-shaped appearance. Many strains exhibit snapping division. Corynebacteria are chemoheterotrophs often isolated from the human body, and a few are pathogens, including C. diphtheriae (diphtheria). These bacteria produce a toxin (diphtheria toxin) that interferes with eukaryotic protein synthesis.
Domain Bacteria
Phylum Actinobacteria
Class Actinobacteria
Bergey's Manual Volume 5: The Actinobacteria