| Description | Empedobacter brevis is a type of Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a mesophilic temperature range, between 30-40°C, with its metabolic processes powered by chemotrophy. Specifically, it is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow in the presence or absence of oxygen, but prefers aerobic conditions. This versatility in its energy production is due to its ability to use both organic and inorganic compounds as its energy source. Notably, it can produce energy through the oxidation of inorganic compounds, such as sulfates, nitrates, and ferric iron, in addition to its ability to use organic compounds like glucose. Empedobacter brevis is classified as a Chemoheterotroph, meaning it obtains its energy by chemically reacting with its organic environment, while lacking the ability to produce its own organic compounds. This microbe is also capable of producing energy through aerobic respiration, utilizing molecular oxygen as its final electron acceptor. In terms of its morphology, Empedobacter brevis is a rod-shaped bacterium, typically ranging from 1-3 micrometers in length. Its cell wall is characterized as Gram-negative, indicating the presence of a thin peptidoglycan layer, which can be distinguished from Gram-positive bacteria by their distinct staining properties. This microbe is ubiquitously found in various environments, including soil, water, and the human body, particularly in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. Despite its ability to thrive in a range of environments, its oxygen preference is that of an obligate aerobe, requiring the presence of oxygen to carry out its metabolic processes. Empedobacter brevis plays a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter, particularly in environments with limited oxygen availability, such as in anaerobic soil microcosms. Its ability to thrive in low-oxygen conditions makes it a valuable component in these ecosystems, contributing to the breakdown of complex organic molecules and recycling of essential nutrients. |
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