Phocaeicola plebeius strain TF10-3AC

Phocaeicola plebeius strain TF10-3AC is a Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives as a chemoheterotroph in the intestinal microflora of various animals, including Homo sapiens (humans), Gallus gallus (chickens), and Bos (cattle). This strain is strictly anaerobic, indicating that it requires an oxygen-free environment for growth. It has a single replicon and does not form spores, which is typical for many intestinal bacteria that are adapted to stable, nutrient-rich environments. The optimal growth temperature for P. plebeius strain TF10-3AC is 37°C, aligning with the average body temperature of its hosts, and it falls within the mesophilic temperature range, suggesting that it is well-suited for the warm conditions found in animal intestines. The presence of flagella indicates that it may possess the potential for movement in certain environments, although the strain is characterized as non-motile, likely due to its adaptation to a stable intestinal habitat. The ecological insight from studying P. plebeius strain TF10-3AC is its role in the complex microbiome of animal intestines, contributing to the digestion and fermentation processes. As a chemoheterotroph, it likely plays a significant part in breaking down organic matter and facilitating nutrient absorption, which is crucial for the health of its hosts. Understanding such microbial populations can provide valuable information about gut health and the maintenance of homeostasis in the intestinal ecosystem.