| Description | Parabacteroides sp. 20_3 is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in anaerobic conditions, categorizing it as an obligate anaerobe. This microbe is primarily found in the human gastrointestinal tract, where it plays a significant role in gut health and metabolism. Parabacteroides sp. 20_3 is classified as a chemoheterotroph, utilizing organic compounds for energy and growth, primarily deriving nutrients from complex polysaccharides, proteins, and other organic materials present in the diet. Being an obligate anaerobe means that Parabacteroides sp. 20_3 cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, which necessitates an environment that is oxygen-free, such as the intestines. This adaptation is crucial for its survival and function within the gut microbiome, where it contributes to the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates and the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are beneficial for host health. The rod shape of Parabacteroides sp. 20_3 aids in its mobility and colonization of gut niches, enabling it to penetrate biofilms and interact dynamically with other microbial species. As a Gram-negative organism, it possesses an outer membrane that helps resist certain antibiotics and contributes to its ecological niche within the gut. Furthermore, this microbe is being researched for its potential health benefits, including its role in modulating immune responses and its contributions to metabolic pathways that affect host health, including possible implications in obesity and metabolic syndrome. Its ability to interact with other gut bacteria also underscores its importance in maintaining the delicate balance of the human microbiome. |
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