| Description | Oscillibacter valericigenes is a gram-negative, rod-shaped microbe that thrives in mesophilic temperatures, categorized as a chemoheterotroph, and can be found in various body sites of different species, including the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. As an obligate anaerobe, Oscillibacter valericigenes requires a strict anaerobic environment to survive, which is reflected in its inability to tolerate oxygen. The gram-negative cell wall structure of this microbe is characteristic of many anaerobic bacteria, and its rod shape allows it to efficiently interact with its surroundings. The mesophilic temperature preference of Oscillibacter valericigenes indicates that it grows best in moderate temperatures, typically between 20-45°C, which is consistent with the temperatures found in many animal gastrointestinal tracts. As a chemoheterotroph, Oscillibacter valericigenes relies on organic compounds for energy and carbon, breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones to sustain its metabolic processes. This is evident in its ability to produce valeric acid, a short-chain fatty acid, as a byproduct of its metabolic activities. The presence of Oscillibacter valericigenes in various body sites, including the gut, suggests that it plays a role in the fermentation of complex carbohydrates and the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are important for the health and function of the gut microbiome. Oscillibacter valericigenes has been implicated in the production of valeric acid, which has been shown to have potential applications in the production of biofuels and other industrial chemicals. Additionally, research has suggested that this microbe may play a role in the degradation of complex organic matter in anaerobic environments, such as in soil and sediments, highlighting its potential importance in ecosystem functioning. |
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