| Description | Azotobacter vinelandii is a soil-dwelling bacterium that thrives in a wide range of temperatures, categorized as mesophilic, with a preference for temperatures between 25°C to 37°C. This microbe is a chemoheterotroph, meaning it obtains energy by breaking down organic molecules and using it as its primary source of energy. A. vinelandii produces energy through aerobic respiration, requiring oxygen to convert glucose into energy. As a gram-negative bacterium, A. vinelandii has a thin peptidoglycan layer, which is a characteristic of this gram stain category. The bacterium exhibits a rod-shaped morphology, with cells typically measuring between 0.5-1.5 μm in length. Azotobacter vinelandii is ubiquitous in soils, where it can be found in various environments, including in association with plant roots, in soil aggregates, and in the rhizosphere. In fact, it is one of the most widely distributed bacteria in soil, with a global distribution across diverse ecosystems. A. vinelandii is an obligate aerobe, requiring oxygen for growth and survival. It is unable to grow in the absence of oxygen and would not be able to thrive in anaerobic environments. However, it can tolerate fluctuations in oxygen levels and is capable of surviving in environments with low oxygen availability. In addition to its remarkable adaptability and tolerance to diverse environments, A. vinelandii has been studied extensively for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it a valuable component in soil ecosystems. This process, known as nitrogen fixation, involves the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a usable form for plants and microorganisms. As a result, A. vinelandii plays a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility and supporting plant growth. |
|---|
