| Description | Desulfurivibrio alkaliphilus is a gram-negative, spiral-shaped microbe that thrives in moderate thermophilic temperatures, classified as a chemoheterotroph, and can be found in various body sites such as the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and mucous membranes of humans and animals. As an obligate anaerobe, it requires the absence of oxygen to survive and grow.The gram-negative characteristic of Desulfurivibrio alkaliphilus indicates that it has a thinner peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall, which provides less retention of the crystal violet stain used in the gram staining procedure. Its spiral shape allows for increased surface area, facilitating the exchange of nutrients and waste products.As a chemoheterotroph, Desulfurivibrio alkaliphilus relies on organic compounds for energy and carbon, breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones to sustain its metabolic processes. This microbe can inhabit diverse body sites due to its ability to adapt to different environments, from the acidic conditions of the stomach to the more neutral pH of the skin and mucous membranes.The moderate thermophilic temperature preference of Desulfurivibrio alkaliphilus enables it to grow optimally in temperatures ranging from 40°C to 55°C. Its obligate anaerobic nature necessitates the presence of reducing agents to maintain a low redox potential, allowing it to flourish in environments devoid of oxygen.
Desulfurivibrio alkaliphilus plays a significant role in the sulfur cycle, contributing to the reduction of sulfur compounds, and has been found to have applications in bioremediation and the production of bioactive compounds. |
|---|
