Members of the genus Bacillus are chemoorganotrophic, Gram-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped organism. One of the main characteristics is their ability to produce heat resistant endospores. Aerial distribution of the spores explains the occurence of Bacillus species in most habitats examined. Members of this genus are able to secrete a wide variety of extracellular enzymes. Some members are capable of producing antibiotics as secondary metabolites.