| Description | Methylobacterium nodulans is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a temperature range of 20-37°C, falling under the category of mesophilic microorganisms. It is a chemotroph, utilizing a combination of glucose and methanol as its primary energy sources. This microbe is also an autotroph, capable of producing its own energy through the process of chemosynthesis. Specifically, it employs a type of energy production known as methylotrophy, where it oxidizes the methyl group of methanol to generate energy. As a gram-negative bacterium, M. nodulans has an outer membrane surrounding its cell wall, which is rich in lipopolysaccharides. This bacterium is observed to have an elongated rod shape, with a typical size range of 0.5-1.2 μm in length and 0.2-0.4 μm in width. It has the ability to colonize various body sites, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts of humans, as well as soil and aquatic environments. M. nodulans is an obligate aerobe, requiring a constant supply of oxygen to survive. It is not able to tolerate anaerobic conditions and would perish in the absence of oxygen. This bacterium plays a crucial role in the degradation of methanol and other methylated compounds in the environment, contributing to the breakdown of organic matter. In addition to its ecological significance, M. nodulans has been researched for its potential applications in biotechnology. For instance, it has been explored as a candidate for the production of biofuels and bioproducts, leveraging its ability to metabolize methanol and other simple carbon sources. Moreover, its ability to thrive in diverse environments has made it a valuable model organism for studying microbial adaptation and survival strategies. |
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