| Description | Prevotella buccae is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped microbe that thrives in mesophilic temperatures (20-45°C), making it a moderate thermophile. As a chemoheterotroph, it derives its energy from the degradation of organic matter, using aerobic respiration as its primary method of energy production. This process involves the breakdown of glucose and other carbon sources, resulting in the production of ATP and CO2. P. buccae is commonly found in the oral cavity of humans, where it inhabits the buccal mucosa and gingival crevices. Its ability to thrive in this environment allows it to play a crucial role in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and the cycling of nutrients within the oral ecosystem. Its presence has also been detected on the skin, digestive tract, and respiratory tract of humans, as well as in the gut microbiomes of various animal species. As an obligate aerobe, P. buccae requires the presence of oxygen to survive and replicate. This is in contrast to anaerobic microbes, which can thrive in the absence of oxygen. The microbe's respiratory chain is adapted to utilize atmospheric oxygen as its final electron acceptor, allowing it to generate energy through the process of oxidative phosphorylation. Despite its relatively simple nutritional requirements, P. buccae has been shown to play a complex role in human health and disease. Research has linked its presence to the development of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. However, further investigation is needed to fully understand its impact on human health. P. buccae has also been implicated in the degradation of lignin, a complex organic polymer found in plant cell walls. This has significant implications for the environmental and ecological roles of this microbe, as it contributes to the breakdown of plant biomass and the cycling of nutrients in ecosystems. |
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