Streptococcus mutans EML 1738

Streptococcus mutans EML 1738 is a Gram-positive cocci bacterium that typically arranges itself in chains or pairs. This organism is classified as a facultative anaerobe, indicating that it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen, which allows for versatility in various environments. S. mutans EML 1738 is non-motile, as it lacks flagella, and it thrives at an optimal temperature of 37°C, within a mesophilic temperature range. The bacterium possesses four replicons, which contribute to its genetic diversity and adaptability. S. mutans EML 1738 is free-living, suggesting that it does not require a host organism to survive, allowing it to inhabit diverse ecological niches. The organism has several accessions, including LS483349.1, AP019720.1, CP133475.1, and CP077404.1, which are identifiers in genomic databases that facilitate research and study of its genetic makeup. An ecological insight into S. mutans EML 1738 is its role in dental environments. As a member of the oral microbiota, it is known for its ability to metabolize sugars and produce acids, which can lead to dental caries. Understanding its traits, such as its free-living nature and optimal growth conditions, can aid in developing strategies to manage its population in dental health contexts.