Final answer:
Gram-positive bacteria are divided into high and low G+C groups; Actinobacteria is a class of high G+C organisms that includes many filamentous bacteria important in soil ecology and human health. Bacilli are a class of low G+C that include pathogenic species like Bacillus and Staphylococcus. The cell wall structure of these bacteria is a significant factor in the treatment of related infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gram-positive Branching Filamentous Bacteria
Gram-positive bacteria are recognized by their thick cell walls which contain a high amount of peptidoglycan. They are classified into two distinct groups based on their genomic content of guanine-cytosine (G+C): high G+C and low G+C gram-positive bacteria. Actinobacteria represent the high G+C gram-positive bacteria, and this group includes the filamentous genera Actinomyces, Nocardia, and Streptomyces. These organisms often play a role in the decomposition of organic matter in the soil and can be industrially important; however, some also act as human or animal pathogens. On the other hand, Bacilli is a class of low G+C gram-positive bacteria, including the genera Bacillus and Staphylococcus, which can also be pathogenic to humans and animals.
The thick cell wall of gram-positive bacteria, lacking an outer membrane, is a key feature that can be exploited when considering treatments for infections. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are often used to target a wide range of gram-positive bacteria, including the problematic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).