| Description | Dialister spp. is a genus of bacteria that belongs to the family Eubacteriaceae. This microbe has a temperature preference category of mesophilic, meaning it thrives in moderate temperatures ranging from 25°C to 45°C. Metabolically, Dialister spp. is a facultative anaerobe, capable of growing in the presence or absence of oxygen. As chemoheterotrophs, they obtain energy by breaking down complex organic molecules and using oxygen as a terminal electron acceptor, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. In terms of their cell structure, Dialister spp. are gram-negative, meaning they have an outer membrane and a thin peptidoglycan layer. They are typically rod-shaped, with a length that can range from 0.5 to 10 μm. These microbes can be found colonizing various body sites, including the oral cavity, respiratory tract, digestive system, and skin, in humans and animals. As obligate anaerobes, Dialister spp. require a low oxygen environment to grow, as high oxygen levels can be toxic to them. They can tolerate only a limited amount of oxygen, making them sensitive to atmospheric oxygen levels. However, they can survive in areas with low oxygen tension, such as the oral cavity and gut, where they play a role in the breakdown of complex compounds. One of the most distinctive features of Dialister spp. is their ability to produce bacteriocins, which are small peptides that can inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. This ability allows them to compete effectively for resources and niches in their environment. Additionally, these microbes have been implicated in various diseases, including periodontitis and gastrointestinal tract infections. In summary, Dialister spp. are mesophilic, facultative anaerobic, chemoheterotrophic, rod-shaped, gram-negative bacteria that thrive in low-oxygen environments. They play a crucial role in decomposing complex compounds and can produce bacteriocins to compete with other microorganisms. Their presence has been linked to various diseases, making them an important area of study in microbiology. |
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