| Description | Bacteroides sp. 3_1_19 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives optimally at mesophilic temperatures (around 30-37°C), functioning as a chemoheterotroph. This microbe is typically found in various body sites, primarily within the human gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, and on the skin, where it plays a fundamental role in maintaining gut health and microbial diversity. As an obligate anaerobe, Bacteroides sp. 3_1_19 grows in environments devoid of oxygen, which is critical for its survival and metabolic processes. The Gram-negative nature of Bacteroides sp. 3_1_19 presents a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, which contribute to its pathogenicity and immune evasion mechanisms. The rod shape of this bacterium, in conjunction with its ability to form biofilms, enhances its colonization capability within various body sites, facilitating complex interactions with other microbes and host tissues. As a chemoheterotroph, Bacteroides sp. 3_1_19 derives energy and carbon from organic compounds, primarily breaking down complex polysaccharides, such as dietary fiber. This process produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are vital for human health, providing energy to intestinal epithelial cells and playing a role in gut barrier function and immune modulation. Moreover, Bacteroides sp. 3_1_19 is essential for the fermentation of dietary components, influencing the host's metabolism and overall health. Notably, its presence is associated with a balanced gut microbiome, while dysbiosis involving Bacteroides species has been linked to various gastrointestinal disorders. Understanding this microbe's ecological role and metabolic pathways offers insights into potential therapeutic strategies for restoring gut health and managing diseases. |
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