| Description | Wolinella succinogenes is a psychrotolerant, neutrophilic, microaerophilic, Gram-negative, curved rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in a wide range of temperatures, from 4°C to 37°C. As a chemotroph, this microbe obtains its energy by oxidizing its metabolic byproducts, primarily succinate, using a mechanism called a succinate-dependent membrane-bound respiratory chain. This unique energy production pathway allows Wolinella succinogenes to survive in environments with limited oxygen availability. The Gram-stain characteristic of this bacterium is negative, indicating that its cell wall lacks a thick peptidoglycan layer, which is characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria. Its curved rod shape and small size (1-3 μm) enable it to colonize diverse environments, including the human body, where it can be found in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract. Wolinella succinogenes is an obligate microaerophile, requiring low levels of oxygen to survive. Although it can tolerate some oxygen, it is unable to grow in fully aerobic conditions or in environments completely devoid of oxygen. Its preference for low-oxygen environments makes it well-suited to thrive in anaerobic niches, such as the human gut, where it plays a role in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and the production of short-chain fatty acids. This microbe has also been found to be a key player in the human oral cavity, where it helps to maintain the integrity of the oral microbiome and contributes to the breakdown of dietary carbohydrates. Moreover, research has shown that Wolinella succinogenes has the ability to form biofilms, which are complex communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and play a crucial role in the development of dental caries. Its unique metabolic properties and ability to thrive in diverse environments make Wolinella succinogenes a fascinating microbe that continues to capture the attention of scientists and researchers. |
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