Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. polymorphum ATCC 10953

Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. polymorphum ATCC 10953 is a Gram-negative, non-sporulating bacterium that plays a significant role in the host gut ecosystem. This organism exhibits a rod shape and typically arranges itself in pairs. It is classified as a chemoheterotroph, deriving its energy from organic compounds present within the gut environment. F. nucleatum subsp. polymorphum is anaerobic, meaning it thrives in environments devoid of oxygen, which is characteristic of the gut habitat it occupies. The bacterium has a temperature range classified as mesophilic, with an optimal growth temperature of 37°C, aligning with the average body temperature of its host. In terms of mobility, F. nucleatum subsp. polymorphum possesses flagella, though it is noted as non-motile, indicating that while it has the potential for movement, it may not utilize this capability under natural conditions. The organism contains a single replicon, which is a characteristic of its genomic structure. The presence of F. nucleatum subsp. polymorphum in the gut signifies its potential role in the complex microbial community, contributing to digestive processes and possibly influencing host health. Its adaptation to anaerobic conditions and specific temperature preferences underscores its specialization in the gut environment, where it may interact with other gut microbiota, thus affecting the overall microbial balance and functionality within this niche.