| Description | Prevotella oralis is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped microbe that thrives in temperatures between 25-40°C, categorizing it as a mesophile. It is a chemoheterotroph, meaning it obtains energy by converting chemical energy into ATP through the breakdown of organic compounds. Specifically, it is a fermentative microbe, utilizing a variety of sugars and polysaccharides as its primary energy source. As a microbe that inhabits the human oral cavity, Prevotella oralis can be found on all surfaces of the teeth, tongue, and gums, as well as in the saliva and plaque. Its ability to thrive in a wide range of environments, from the mouth's warm and humid conditions to the neutral pH of the saliva, allows it to colonize and contribute to the oral microbiome. Prevotella oralis is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. This is due to the lack of enzymes that can protect it from the toxic effects of oxygen. Instead, it thrives in environments with low to zero oxygen levels, such as the deep crevices of the teeth or the gingival crevice. Notably, Prevotella oralis is one of the most abundant oral bacteria, composing up to 30% of the oral microbiome. Its ability to breakdown complex carbohydrates and produce volatile fatty acids as a byproduct plays a crucial role in oral health, contributing to the development of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Despite its role in oral diseases, Prevotella oralis has also been found to have a symbiotic relationship with other oral microbes, and its presence can actually maintain oral health by controlling the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Overall, Prevotella oralis is a fascinating microbe that highlights the complex interactions between microbes and their environments. |
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