| Description | Syntrophomonas wolfei is a thermophilic, chemoheterotrophic bacterium that thrives in environments with temperatures between 55-73°C (131-163°F), placing it in the "thermophilic" category. It obtains energy by breaking down organic compounds, specifically fatty acids and alcohols, via fermentation, wherein the microbe converts these substrates into acetate, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. This process involves the oxidation of fatty acids to produce acetate and reducing equivalents, which are then used to reduce protons, generating ATP and NADH. Syntrophomonas wolfei is a Gram-negative bacterium with a rod-shaped morphology, typically ranging from 0.5-1.5 μm in length and 0.2-0.5 μm in width. Its presence has been documented in various environments, including anaerobic digesters, soil, and freshwater sediments, but it is not found in human body sites. This microbe is an obligate anaerobe, requiring a strictly anoxic environment to survive, as it lacks the necessary enzymes to produce ATP in the presence of oxygen. Additionally, Syntrophomonas wolfei is a capnophile, thriving in environments with elevated CO2 levels, which helps to maintain its anaerobic conditions. Syntrophomonas wolfei plays a crucial role in the degradation of organic matter in its natural habitats, contributing to the breakdown of complex organic pollutants and the recycling of nutrients. Its unique metabolic capabilities have also led to its use in biotechnological applications, such as the treatment of wastewater and the production of biofuels. Furthermore, research on this microbe has provided valuable insights into the evolution of anaerobic metabolism and the development of novel biocatalysts for industrial applications. |
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