| Description | Desulfovibrio longus is a microbe that thrives in environments with a temperature range of 15-30°C, categorizing it as a mesophilic organism. It is a chemotroph, meaning it derives its energy from chemical reactions rather than sunlight, and is a heterotroph, relying on organic compounds as its energy source. D. longus produces energy through anaerobic respiration, specifically involving the reduction of sulfate to produce ATP. This bacterium is a Gram-negative, indicating that its cell wall is composed of a thin layer of peptidoglycan, whereas Gram-positive bacteria have a thicker layer. Its shape is typically spiral or vibrio-like, with a single polar flagellum allowing for motility. Desulfovibrio longus is found in various environments, including freshwater, marine, and soil ecosystems, and can be isolated from a range of body sites in different species, such as the gut, respiratory tract, and skin. This microbe is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen and is sensitive to even low levels of oxygen. In fact, it requires a completely anoxic environment to thrive, which is typical of many sulfate-reducing bacteria. One unique aspect of D. longus is its ability to produce hydrogen gas as a byproduct of its anaerobic metabolism, which can contribute to the formation of hydrogen sulfide and other geochemical processes. Additionally, its ability to reduce sulfate makes it an important player in the global sulfur cycle. |
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