Microbe Identification
Microbe nameMethanobrevibacter smithii
NCBI Taxonomy ID2173
DescriptionPaenibacillus alvei DSM 29 is a bacterium that thrives in temperatures ranging from mesophilic to thermophilic, categorizing it as a thermophilic microbe (Temperature preference category: Thermophiles). This thermophilic characteristic enables it to inhabit environments that are too hot for most other microorganisms. As a chemoheterotroph, Paenibacillus alvei DSM 29 derives its energy from the breakdown of organic compounds, utilizing a variety of carbon sources for growth. This microbe produces energy through fermentation, a process that does not involve the use of oxygen. Paenibacillus alvei DSM 29 is a Gram-positive bacterium, meaning that its cell wall contains a thick layer of peptidoglycan, which is responsible for its characteristic Gram stain. The bacterium's shape is rod-like, with a typical length of 2-3 μm and a width of 0.5-0.7 μm. Paenibacillus alvei DSM 29 is capable of inhabiting various body sites, including the oral cavity, skin, and respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. However, it is not commonly associated with disease, as it is typically found as part of the normal commensal flora. As an obligate anaerobe, Paenibacillus alvei DSM 29 requires a low-oxygen environment to survive, making it well-suited to environments where oxygen levels are limited. In addition to its unique characteristics, Paenibacillus alvei DSM 29 has been found to produce a variety of enzymes, including proteases, lipases, and amylases, which are involved in the breakdown of complex nutrients. These enzymes play a crucial role in the microbe's ability to thrive in diverse environments, from soil to human gut. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that Paenibacillus alvei DSM 29 has the potential to degrade a range of pollutants, including heavy metals and pesticides, rendering it a valuable candidate for bioremediation applications. Its ability to produce antibiotics and other bioactive compounds has also sparked interest in its potential use as a probiotic or antimicrobial agent.
Microbe Taxonomy
SuperkingdomArchaea
KingdomNot Available
PhylumEuryarchaeota
ClassMethanobacteria
OrderMethanobacteriales
FamilyMethanobacteriaceae
GenusMethanobrevibacter
Species smithii
Microbe Properties
Gram staining propertiesPositive
ShapeBacilli
MobilityNo
Flagellar presenceNot Available
Number of membranes1
Oxygen preferenceAnaerobe
Optimal temperature37
Temperature rangeMesophilic
HabitatMultiple
Biotic relationshipFree living
Cell arrangementPairs - Chains
SporulationNot Available
MetabolismMethanogen
Energy sourceLithotroph
Host and Biospecimens
HostBody siteBiospecimenDetailsData SourceReference
HumanGutFecesUnknownVMH30371894
HumanGutFecesNot AvailableGutFeeling KnowledgeBase31509535
HumanLarge intestineNot AvailableBacDive34718743
HumanLarge intestineFecesNot AvailableDisbiome28636668