| Description | Bacteroides clarus is a gram-negative, rod-shaped microbe that thrives in mesophilic temperatures, classified 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 is due to the composition of its cell wall, which consists of a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides. Its rod-shaped morphology allows it to maintain a large surface area, facilitating the uptake of nutrients from its surroundings. As a mesophilic microbe, Bacteroides clarus grows best in temperatures between 20-45°C, making it well-suited to the human body's normal temperature range.As a chemoheterotroph, Bacteroides clarus relies on chemical reactions to produce energy and requires organic compounds as a source of carbon and energy. This is in contrast to autotrophic microbes, which can produce their own food using light or chemical energy. The presence of Bacteroides clarus in all body sites is a testament to its ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. Its obligate anaerobic nature means that it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, and therefore, is typically found in areas with low oxygen levels, such as the gut.
Bacteroides clarus plays a crucial role in the breakdown and utilization of complex polysaccharides in the human gut, contributing to the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome. Its unique characteristics and abilities have led researchers to investigate its potential as a probiotic agent, with studies exploring its use in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and obesity. |
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