| Description | Lactobacillus jensenii is a species of bacteria that thrives in temperatures between 25-40°C, placing it in the mesophilic temperature preference category. As a chemoheterotroph, it obtains its energy by breaking down organic compounds and utilizing their carbon and energy sources. This process, known as fermentation, is facilitated by the microbe's ability to produce ATP through the anaerobic breakdown of glucose and other carbohydrates. In terms of metabolism, L. jensenii is a non-photosynthetic bacterium, meaning it does not produce its own food through photosynthesis. Gram-staining shows L. jensenii to be a gram-positive bacterium, characterized by a thick peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall. Morphologically, the microbe appears as a rod-shaped bacterium, typically ranging from 0.5-1.5 μm in width and 2-5 μm in length. Its presence has been documented in various body sites across humans, including the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and genital tract. L. jensenii is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it requires a completely oxygen-free environment to survive and thrive. In contrast, some microorganisms can tolerate or even thrive in the presence of oxygen. This anaerobic preference allows L. jensenii to flourish in environments with low oxygen levels, such as the human gut. In addition to its unique metabolic and physiological characteristics, L. jensenii has been found to play a crucial role in human health. For example, it has been shown to produce compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, making it a potential target for therapeutic applications. Furthermore, the microbe's ability to produce lactic acid as a byproduct of fermentation has been linked to the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for proper digestion and immune function. Overall, Lactobacillus jensenii is a fascinating microbe that continues to unveil its secrets, offering insights into the complex relationships between microbes and their human hosts. |
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