Description | Flavobacterium johnsoniae is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a temperature range of 15°C to 40°C, falling under the "mesophilic" category. This microbe is a chemoheterotroph, meaning it derives its energy by breaking down organic compounds and using them as its primary energy source. F. johnsoniae produces energy through respiratory metabolism, which involves the breakdown of organic molecules and the subsequent release of energy. The bacterium has a cell wall with a negative gram stain, which means it does not retain the gram stain and appears pink or reddish-pink under a microscope. In terms of shape, F. johnsoniae is a rod-shaped bacterium, also known as a bacillus. This microbe can be found in various environments, including soil, water, and the human body, specifically in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. In terms of its oxygen preference, F. johnsoniae is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow in the presence or absence of oxygen. However, it prefers aerobic conditions and can tolerate low levels of oxygen. Flavobacterium johnsoniae plays a crucial role in the degradation of organic matter in its environment. Its ability to break down complex organic molecules allows it to play a significant role in the carbon cycle. Additionally, its chemo-heterotrophic metabolism makes it an important contributor to the decomposition of organic matter in various ecosystems. Furthermore, F. johnsoniae has been implicated in various human diseases, including respiratory infections and gastrointestinal disorders. Its ability to adhere to epithelial cells and colonize the human gastrointestinal tract makes it a potential pathogen. Research on F. johnsoniae has led to a better understanding of the microbiome and its role in human health and disease. |
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