| Description | Ruminococcus callidus is a Gram-positive, cocci-shaped microbe that thrives in mesophilic temperatures, classified as a Chemoheterotroph, and can be found in various body sites of humans and animals, including the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, and skin. As an Obligate Anaerobe, Ruminococcus callidus requires a strict anaerobic environment to grow and survive, making it a common inhabitant of the rumen and large intestine where oxygen levels are low. The microbe's Gram-positive cell wall and cocci shape allow it to maintain its structure and withstand the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Its mesophilic temperature preference enables it to thrive in temperatures ranging from 20-45°C, which is typical of the human body and many animal hosts. As a Chemoheterotroph, Ruminococcus callidus relies on external sources of organic compounds for energy and carbon, breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones to sustain its growth and metabolism. This microbe plays a crucial role in the degradation of cellulose and other plant-based materials in the rumen, contributing to the nutrition and health of herbivores. Ruminococcus callidus has been found to produce short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate and propionate, which can be used as energy sources by the host, highlighting its importance in the symbiotic relationship between microbes and their hosts. |
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