| Description | Collinsella aerofaciens is a microbe that thrives in a temperature range of 25-37°C, categorizing it as a mesophilic organism. This mesophile's metabolism is heterotrophic, meaning it cannot produce its own food and instead, relies on external sources of energy. Specifically, Collinsella aerofaciens is a chemoheterotroph, utilizing organic compounds for energy production. The microbe's energy production is based on anaerobic respiration, a process that occurs in the absence of oxygen. Gram staining reveals that Collinsella aerofaciens is a gram-positive bacterium, characterized by a thick peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall. The bacterium's shape is typically rod-like, with a length of approximately 0.5-1.0 μm and a width of 0.2-0.5 μm. It can be found in various body sites, including the oral cavity, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Collinsella aerofaciens is an obligate aerobe, meaning it requires oxygen for its survival and growth. In fact, the microbe's respiratory chain is adapted to function optimally in the presence of oxygen, relying on it as the terminal electron acceptor during energy production. Further research has revealed that Collinsella aerofaciens plays a crucial role in the human gut microbiome. Specifically, it has been linked to the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining the integrity of the gut epithelial barrier. Additionally, studies have shown that the microbe is capable of inhibiting the growth of certain pathogenic bacteria, thereby contributing to the overall health and well-being of its human host. |
|---|
