Description | Lactobacillus delbrueckii is a fascinating microbe that thrives in various environments, exhibiting a range of unique characteristics that enable it to survive and flourish. According to its profile on the MicrobeDB, Lactobacillus delbrueckii is a thermophilic microbe, preferring temperatures between 45°C to 65°C (113°F to 149°F). This temperature preference is unsurprising, given its metabolism, which is classified as a chemoheterotroph. This means that Lactobacillus delbrueckii obtains its energy by breaking down organic compounds, rather than producing its own food through photosynthesis. In terms of energy production, Lactobacillus delbrueckii relies on fermentation, a process that involves the conversion of glucose into lactic acid. This metabolic pathway is characteristic of the genus Lactobacillus, which is renowned for its role in food production and preservation. Lactobacillus delbrueckii's Gram stain is typically negative, indicating the absence of a peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall. The microbe's shape is typically rod-shaped, ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 μm in length and 0.5 to 1.0 μm in width. It is found in various body sites, including the human gut, where it plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. In terms of oxygen preference, Lactobacillus delbrueckii is an aerotolerant anaerobe, meaning that it can tolerate the presence of oxygen but does not require it to survive. In conclusion, Lactobacillus delbrueckii is a remarkable microbe that has adapted to thrive in a range of environments. Its unique characteristics, such as its thermophilic nature, chemoheterotrophic metabolism, and ability to produce lactic acid through fermentation, make it an important player in food production and preservation. Its ability to colonize the human gut and establish a balanced microbiome has significant implications for human health. |
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