| Description | Campylobacter gracilis is a microorganism that thrives in environments with temperatures between 25-40°C, placing it in the mesophilic temperature preference category. It is a chemoheterotroph, meaning it obtains its energy by converting chemical energy from organic compounds into ATP, rather than through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. C. gracilis produces energy through the process of fermentation, where it breaks down organic matter to produce lactic acid, ethanol, and carbon dioxide. The bacterium is classified as a Gram-negative, meaning it lacks the peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall. Its shape is typically curved or spiral, resembling a corkscrew or a comma-shaped morphology. C. gracilis has been isolated from various body sites across different species, including the human gut, where it can be found in small numbers alongside other microorganisms. In terms of oxygen preference, C. gracilis is a microaerophile, requiring low levels of oxygen to survive. It is unable to survive in environments with high levels of oxygen and requires a balance of oxygen and nitrogen to thrive. C. gracilis is a versatile microorganism that has been found in various environments, including soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals. While it is not typically associated with severe disease, it has been implicated in cases of enteritis and other gastrointestinal disorders. One of the most notable features of C. gracilis is its ability to convert urea, a compound found in urine, into ammonia and carbon dioxide. This process, known as urea hydrolysis, allows the bacterium to thrive in environments with high levels of urea, such as the urinary tracts of animals. This unique characteristic has led researchers to study C. gracilis as a potential tool for bioremediation and wastewater treatment. |
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