Flavobacterium degerlachei

Flavobacterium degerlachei is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives optimally at a temperature of 16.0°C. This species is part of the Flavobacteriaceae family, which is characterized by a diverse array of metabolic capabilities and ecological niches. The Gram-negative nature of F. degerlachei indicates a distinctive cell wall structure, which is characterized by a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides. Flavobacterium degerlachei has been isolated from aquatic environments, suggesting its potential role in the microbial community dynamics of freshwater ecosystems. While the specific ecological roles of F. degerlachei remain to be fully elucidated, its optimal growth at lower temperatures points to its adaptation to cold environments, which may contribute to nutrient cycling and organic matter degradation in such habitats. The presence of this bacterium in cold aquatic systems underscores the importance of understanding microbial diversity and function in these ecosystems, particularly in the context of climate change, where shifts in temperature could impact microbial community composition and activity. Thus, F. degerlachei may serve as a model organism for studying the resilience and adaptability of psychrophilic bacteria in fluctuating environments.