| Description | Acidothermus cellulolyticus is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in environments with high temperatures, typically above 65°C, placing it in the thermophilic temperature preference category. This microbe is a chemolithoheterotroph, meaning it uses chemical energy from the oxidation of organic compounds and inorganic substances as its metabolism and energy source. A. cellulolyticus produces its energy through the process of anaerobic respiration, specifically by using fermentation to break down organic matter. This microbe can be found in a variety of environments, including hot springs, oil reservoirs, and decaying organic matter, where it can colonize almost any body site, from soil to sediment. Acidothermus cellulolyticus is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it requires an oxygen-free environment to survive. In the absence of oxygen, it can thrive and utilize the byproducts of anaerobic respiration to sustain itself. This microbe is capable of breaking down complex organic compounds, such as cellulose, into simpler molecules, making it an important decomposer in hot environments. What sets A. cellulolyticus apart from other thermophilic microorganisms is its ability to function in environments with high acidity, often below pH 3.0. This is due to its unique ability to maintain a stable intracellular pH, allowing it to thrive in environments that would be hostile to most other microorganisms. Despite its extreme habitat, A. cellulolyticus has been found to possess a unique genome that encodes enzymes capable of degrading a wide range of organic compounds. |
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