| Description | Prevotella disiens is a gram-negative, rod-shaped microbe that thrives in a broad temperature range, characterized as mesophilic with optimal growth between 25-37°C. As a chemoheterotroph, P. disiens obtains its energy by oxidizing organic compounds, utilizing them as both carbon and energy sources. This process is facilitated through respiratory chain reactions, where the microbe produces ATP from the conversion of glucose and other organic compounds. P. disiens is widely distributed across various body sites, including the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract, in diverse species. Its presence is often associated with the human microbiome, playing a role in shaping the immune system and influencing local metabolic processes. As an obligate anaerobe, P. disiens is unable to grow in the presence of oxygen and requires a low-oxygen or anaerobic environment to survive. This is due to the fact that P. disiens lacks the necessary enzymes to handle oxygen, which would otherwise damage the microbe's cell membrane. P. disiens has been implicated in several human diseases, including periodontitis, chronic gingivitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. However, it is also known to contribute to the breakdown and recycling of organic matter, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem balance. In terms of its genome, P. disiens has been found to possess genes involved in the transportation of sugars and amino acids, as well as the production of enzymes for protein degradation. This adaptation allows P. disiens to thrive in environments where nutrients are limited. Fascinatingly, P. disiens has been shown to produce bioactive compounds, such as prevotellins, which have been linked to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. These compounds have been found to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, highlighting the potential of P. disiens as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of certain diseases. |
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