| Description | Bacteroides fluxus is a gram-negative, rod-shaped microbe that thrives in mesophilic temperatures, categorized as a chemoheterotroph, and can be found in all body sites of various species, including the human gut, mouth, and skin, and is an obligate anaerobe. The gram-negative characteristic indicates that the microbe's cell wall is composed of a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer lipid bilayer, which provides resistance to certain antibiotics. The rod-shaped morphology allows for efficient movement and colonization in its environment. As a mesophilic microbe, Bacteroides fluxus grows best in temperatures between 20-45°C, making it well-suited for the human body's average temperature.As a chemoheterotroph, Bacteroides fluxus relies on chemical reactions to obtain energy and organic compounds from its environment, breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones. This ability allows it to thrive in various body sites, where it can feed on a wide range of substrates. The presence of Bacteroides fluxus in all body sites suggests its adaptability and ability to colonize different environments. As an obligate anaerobe, Bacteroides fluxus requires the absence of oxygen to grow, which is why it is often found in areas with low oxygen levels, such as the gut.Bacteroides fluxus plays a crucial role in the human microbiome, particularly in the degradation of complex polysaccharides and the production of short-chain fatty acids, which provide energy to the host. Its unique characteristics and abilities make it a vital component of the human gut microbiota, influencing host health and disease. The genome of Bacteroides fluxus has been sequenced, revealing a wide range of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, which has led to a greater understanding of its role in the human microbiome and its potential applications in biotechnology and medicine, particularly in the development of novel therapeutics and diagnostic tools. |
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