Bacteroidetes

Definition

Bacteroidetes is a phylum of Gram-negative bacteria that are widely distributed in various environments, including soil, sediments, and the guts of animals. They play significant roles in breaking down complex molecules and maintaining microbial balance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bacteroidetes are primarily obligate anaerobes but include some facultative anaerobes.
2. They are a major component of the gut microbiota in humans and other animals.
3. These bacteria are essential for degrading complex carbohydrates, aiding in nutrient absorption.
4. Members of Bacteroidetes have been associated with both beneficial effects on host health and certain diseases when imbalanced.
5. Their presence and abundance can be influenced by diet, antibiotic use, and other environmental factors.

Review Questions

• What type of oxygen requirements do most Bacteroidetes exhibit?
• How do Bacteroidetes contribute to the digestion process in the gut?
• What factors can influence the population of Bacteroidetes in an environment?

Related terms

Facultative Anaerobe: An organism that can survive with or without oxygen.

Gut Microbiota:

The community of microorganisms living in the digestive tracts of animals.

Gram-Negative Bacteria: Bacteria characterized by their cell wall structure, which includes a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane.