Microbe Identification
Microbe nameMegasphaera micronuciformis
NCBI Taxonomy ID187326
DescriptionMegasphaera micronuciformis is a Gram-negative, coccus-shaped microbe that thrives in mesophilic temperatures, classified as a chemoheterotroph, and can be found in various body sites of numerous species, including the oral cavity, gut, and urinary tract of humans, animals, and insects. As an obligate anaerobe, Megasphaera micronuciformis requires the absence of oxygen to survive and proliferate. The Gram-negative characteristic indicates that the microbe's cell wall contains a thin peptidoglycan layer, which is typical of many anaerobic bacteria. Its coccus shape allows it to maintain a stable structure and withstand various environmental pressures. The mesophilic temperature preference suggests that Megasphaera micronuciformis grows optimally in moderate temperatures, typically between 20-45°C. As a chemoheterotroph, the microbe relies on external sources of organic compounds for energy and carbon, which it obtains through fermentation processes. The presence of Megasphaera micronuciformis in diverse body sites across different species highlights its adaptability and ability to colonize various environments. Megasphaera micronuciformis plays a significant role in the degradation of complex organic matter and the production of short-chain fatty acids, which can influence the host's metabolism and overall health. The microbe's ability to produce unique metabolic byproducts has led to its exploration in biotechnological applications, such as the development of novel bioactive compounds and biocatalysts.
Microbe Taxonomy
SuperkingdomBacteria
KingdomEubacteria
PhylumFirmicutes
ClassNegativicutes
OrderVeillonellales
FamilyVeillonellaceae
GenusMegasphaera
Species micronuciformis
Microbe Properties
Gram staining propertiesNot Available
ShapeNot Available
MobilityNo
Flagellar presenceNo
Number of membranesNot Available
Oxygen preferenceNot Available
Optimal temperature37
Temperature rangeNot Available
HabitatAnimal intestinal microflora
Biotic relationshipNot Available
Cell arrangementNot Available
SporulationNonsporulating
MetabolismFermentative
Energy sourceChemoheterotroph
Host and Biospecimens
HostBody siteBiospecimenData SourceReference
HumanHuman Oral Microbiome Database (HOMD)20624719
HumanSupragingival plaqueHuman Microbiome Project28953883
HumanHuman Microbiome Project28953883
HumanLarge intestineFecesDisbiome27243236
HumanOral cavitySalivaDisbiome31211815