Lactococcus is a
genus of
lactic acid bacteria that were formerly included in the genus
Streptococcus Group N1. They are known as homofermentors meaning that they produce a single product,
lactic acid in this case, as the major or only product of
glucose fermentation. Their homofermentative character can be altered by adjusting cultural conditions such as
pH, glucose concentration, and nutrient limitation. They are
gram-positive,
catalase-negative, non-
motile cocci that are found singly, in pairs, or in chains. The genus contains strains known to grow at or below 7°C.