A species of gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria associated with DENTAL CARIES.
A genus of gram-positive, microaerophilic, rod-shaped bacteria occurring widely in nature. Its species are also part of the many normal flora of the mouth, intestinal tract, and vagina of many mammals, including humans. Pathogenicity from this genus is rare.
A species of rod-shaped, LACTIC ACID bacteria used in PROBIOTICS and SILAGE production.
Live microbial DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS which beneficially affect the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance. Antibiotics and other related compounds are not included in this definition. In humans, lactobacilli are commonly used as probiotics, either as single species or in mixed culture with other bacteria. Other genera that have been used are bifidobacteria and streptococci. (J. Nutr. 1995;125:1401-12)
A species of gram-positive, rod-shaped LACTIC ACID bacteria that is frequently used as starter culture in SILAGE fermentation, sourdough, and lactic-acid-fermented types of beer and wine.
A tetraiodofluorescein used as a red coloring in some foods (cherries, fish), as a disclosure of DENTAL PLAQUE, and as a stain of some cell types. It has structural similarity to THYROXINE.
A beverage prepared from SOYBEANS.
A rod-shaped bacterium isolated from milk and cheese, dairy products and dairy environments, sour dough, cow dung, silage, and human mouth, human intestinal contents and stools, and the human vagina.
Type species of the genus CLOSTRIDIUM, a gram-positive bacteria in the family Clostridiaceae. It is used as a source of PROBIOTICS.
A species of gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria isolated from the intestinal tract of humans and animals, the human mouth, and vagina. This organism produces the fermented product, acidophilus milk.
Anaerobic degradation of GLUCOSE or other organic nutrients to gain energy in the form of ATP. End products vary depending on organisms, substrates, and enzymatic pathways. Common fermentation products include ETHANOL and LACTIC ACID.
A tree of the family Sterculiaceae (or Byttneriaceae), usually Theobroma cacao, or its seeds, which after fermentation and roasting, yield cocoa and chocolate.
A species of gram-positive, rod-shaped LACTIC ACID bacteria found naturally in the human intestinal flora and BREAST MILK.
The genital canal in the female, extending from the UTERUS to the VULVA. (Stedman, 25th ed)
A species of gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria used in PROBIOTICS.
Physicochemical property of fimbriated (FIMBRIAE, BACTERIAL) and non-fimbriated bacteria of attaching to cells, tissue, and nonbiological surfaces. It is a factor in bacterial colonization and pathogenicity.
Deoxyribonucleic acid that makes up the genetic material of bacteria.
Constituent of 30S subunit prokaryotic ribosomes containing 1600 nucleotides and 21 proteins. 16S rRNA is involved in initiation of polypeptide synthesis.
DNA sequences encoding RIBOSOMAL RNA and the segments of DNA separating the individual ribosomal RNA genes, referred to as RIBOSOMAL SPACER DNA.

Evaluation of the functional efficacy of an antioxidative probiotic in healthy volunteers. (1/36)

BACKGROUND: In persons without clinical symptom it is difficult to assess an impact of probiotics regarding its effect on health. We evaluated the functional efficacy of the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 in healthy volunteers by measuring the influence of two different formulations on intestinal lactoflora, fecal recovery of the probiotic strain and oxidative stress markers of blood and urine after 3 weeks consumption. METHODS: Two 3-week healthy volunteer trials were performed. Open placebo controlled (OPC) study participants (n = 21) consumed either goat milk or by L. fermentum ME-3 fermented goat milk (daily dose 11.8 log CFU (Colony Forming Units). Double blind randomised placebo controlled (DBRP) study participants (n = 24) received either capsules with L. fermentum ME-3 (daily of dose 9.2 CFU) or placebo capsules. The faecal lactoflora composition, faecal ME-3 recovery, effect of the consumption on intestinal lactoflora, and oxidative stress markers of blood (total antioxidative activity; total antioxidative status and glutathione red-ox ratio) was measured. RESULTS: ME-3 was well tolerated and a significant increase in total faecal lactobacilli yet no predominance of ME-3 was detected in all study groups. Faecal recovery of ME-3 was documented by molecular methods only in fermented milk group, however the significant improvement of blood TAA (Total Antioxidative Activity) and TAS (Total Antioxidative Status) indices was seen both in case of fermented goat milk and capsules", yet glutathione re-ox ratio values decreased only in case of fermented by ME-3 goat milk. CONCLUSION: The functional efficacy of both consumed formulations of an antioxidative probiotic L. fermentum ME-3 is proved by the increase of the intestinal lactobacilli counts providing putative defence against enteric infections and by reduction of the oxidative stress indices of blood and urine of healthy volunteers. In non-diseased host the probiotic health claims can be assessed by improvement of some measurable laboratory indices of well-established physiological functions of host, e.g. markers of antioxidative defence system.  (+info)

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of glutamate racemase from Lactobacillus fermenti. (2/36)

Glutamate racemase catalyzes the conversion of L-glutamic acid to D-glutamic acid and vice versa. Since D-glutamic acid is one of the essential amino acids present in peptidoglycan, glutamate racemase has been considered to be an attractive target for the design of new antibacterial drugs. Glutamate racemase from Lactobacillus fermenti has been crystallized by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method using polyethylene glycol 8000 as a precipitant. The crystals belong to the orthorhombic space group C222(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 98.32, b = 184.09, c = 45.99 A. The asymmetric unit contains one molecule, corresponding to a VM value of 1.84 A3 Da(-1). A complete data set has been collected from the native enzyme at 2.28 A resolution using a synchrotron-radiation source.  (+info)

Alteration of the canine small-intestinal lactic acid bacterium microbiota by feeding of potential probiotics. (3/36)

Five potentially probiotic canine fecal lactic acid bacterium (LAB) strains, Lactobacillus fermentum LAB8, Lactobacillus salivarius LAB9, Weissella confusa LAB10, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LAB11, and Lactobacillus mucosae LAB12, were fed to five permanently fistulated beagles for 7 days. The survival of the strains and their potential effects on the indigenous intestinal LAB microbiota were monitored for 17 days. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) demonstrated that the five fed LAB strains survived in the upper gastrointestinal tract and modified the dominant preexisting indigenous jejunal LAB microbiota of the dogs. When the LAB supplementation was ceased, DGGE analysis of jejunal chyme showed that all the fed LAB strains were undetectable after 7 days. However, the diversity of the intestinal indigenous microbiota of the dogs, as characterized from jejunal chyme plated on Lactobacillus selective medium without acetic acid, was reduced and did not return to the original level during the study period. In all but one dog, an indigenous Lactobacillus acidophilus strain emerged as the dominant LAB strain. In conclusion, strains LAB8 to LAB12 have potential as probiotic strains for dogs as they survive in and dominate the jejunal LAB microbiota during feeding and have the ability to modify the intestinal microbiota.  (+info)

Enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis in the caudal small intestine is influenced by the composition of colonizing commensal bacteria in the neonatal gnotobiotic pig. (4/36)

We previously reported marked differences in small intestinal morphology, including changes in crypt depth and villous height, after inoculation of germ-free pigs with different bacterial species. In an attempt to identify the mechanisms governing changes in villous morphology associated with bacterial colonization, 2 gnotobiotic experiments were performed. In each experiment, 16 piglets were allocated to 4 treatment groups including germ-free (GF), monoassociation with Lactobacillus fermentum (LF) or Escherichia coli (EC), or conventionalized with sow feces (SF). Piglets were reared under gnotobiotic conditions until 14 d of age, at which time whole intestinal tissue and enterocytes were collected for histological, gene expression, and protein analysis. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), Fas ligand (FasL), CD3epsilon, caspase 3 (casp3), and toll-like receptors (TLR)2, 4, and 9 expression were measured by quantitative PCR. Activated casp3 was measured by Western blot. Increased abundance of activated casp3 and transcripts encoding proliferating cell nuclear antigen, TNFalpha, CD3epsilon, and FasL was observed in SF and EC treatment groups compared with GF and LF. Expression of TLR2 was increased (P < 0.05) in the SF treatment and tended to be greater (P < 0.08) in EC relative to LF and GF. Results indicate that conventional bacteria and E. coli but not L. fermentum increase overall cell turnover by stimulating increased apoptosis through the expression of FasL and TNFalpha and by increasing cell proliferation. The differential regulation of TLR expression indicates that microbially induced changes may be mediated in part by these receptors. Induction of inflammatory responses and activation of apoptosis through death receptors appears to play a significant role in enterocyte turnover mediated by commensal bacteria.  (+info)

Lactobacillus fermentum Ess-1 with unique growth inhibition of vulvo-vaginal candidiasis pathogens. (5/36)

The aim of this study was to characterize human isolates of Lactobacillus species for their capacity to interfere with the growth of different strains of Candida species in vitro in the search for a potential probiotic. Growth inhibition of Candida species was screened using an agar-overlay method. Inhibiting strains were selected to assay the effect of a cell-free Lactobacillus culture filtrate (LCF) on the growth of isolates of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. A total of 126 human Lactobacillus isolates was investigated. Eighteen isolates significantly inhibited the growth of C. albicans on agar. The LCF of one of these strains showed strong inhibition of both C. albicans and C. glabrata. This strain was genetically identified as Lactobacillus fermentum and designated L. fermentum Ess-1. Further tests to evaluate the probiotic potential of this strain indicated that L. fermentum Ess-1 strain is a promising probiotic for use in clinical trials to treat and prevent vulvo-vaginal candidiasis.  (+info)

Influence of turning and environmental contamination on the dynamics of populations of lactic acid and acetic acid bacteria involved in spontaneous cocoa bean heap fermentation in Ghana. (6/36)

The influence of turning and environmental contamination on six spontaneous cocoa bean heap fermentations performed in Ghana was studied through a multiphasic approach, encompassing both microbiological (culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques) and metabolite target analyses. A sensory analysis of chocolate made from the fermented, dried beans was performed as well. Only four clusters were found among the isolates of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) identified: Acetobacter pasteurianus, Acetobacter ghanensis, Acetobacter senegalensis, and a potential new Acetobacter lovaniensis-like species. Two main clusters were identified among the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated, namely, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus fermentum. No differences in biodiversity of LAB and AAB were seen for fermentations carried out at the farm and factory sites, indicating the cocoa pod surfaces and not the general environment as the main inoculum for spontaneous cocoa bean heap fermentation. Turning of the heaps enhanced aeration and increased the relative population size of AAB and the production of acetic acid. This in turn gave a more sour taste to chocolate made from these beans. Bitterness was reduced through losses of polyphenols and alkaloids upon fermentation and cocoa bean processing.  (+info)

Ability of Lactobacillus fermentum to overcome host alpha-galactosidase deficiency, as evidenced by reduction of hydrogen excretion in rats consuming soya alpha-galacto-oligosaccharides. (7/36)

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Live probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis bacteria inhibit the toxic effects induced by wheat gliadin in epithelial cell culture. (8/36)

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Lactobacillus fermentum is a species of gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria that belongs to the lactic acid bacteria group. It is commonly found in various environments such as plant material, dairy products, and the human gastrointestinal tract.

Lactobacillus fermentum is known for its ability to produce lactic acid through the fermentation of carbohydrates, which can help lower the pH of the environment and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. It also produces various antimicrobial compounds such as bacteriocins, which can further contribute to its probiotic properties.

Lactobacillus fermentum has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to enhance immune function, improve gut health, and reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is also being investigated for its potential role in preventing urogenital infections and reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.

However, it's important to note that while some studies suggest potential health benefits of Lactobacillus fermentum, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and safety profile. As with any probiotic supplement, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before taking Lactobacillus fermentum or any other probiotics.

Lactobacillus is a genus of gram-positive, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic or microaerophilic, non-spore-forming bacteria. They are part of the normal flora found in the intestinal, urinary, and genital tracts of humans and other animals. Lactobacilli are also commonly found in some fermented foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread.

Lactobacilli are known for their ability to produce lactic acid through the fermentation of sugars, which contributes to their role in maintaining a healthy microbiota and lowering the pH in various environments. Some species of Lactobacillus have been shown to provide health benefits, such as improving digestion, enhancing immune function, and preventing infections, particularly in the urogenital and intestinal tracts. They are often used as probiotics, either in food or supplement form, to promote a balanced microbiome and support overall health.

Lactobacillus plantarum is a species of gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that belongs to the lactic acid bacteria group. It is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow in the presence or absence of oxygen. Lactobacillus plantarum is commonly found in a variety of environments, including fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and sourdough bread, as well as in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals.

Lactobacillus plantarum is known for its ability to produce lactic acid through the fermentation of carbohydrates, which can help to preserve food and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. It also produces various antimicrobial compounds that can help to protect against pathogens in the gut.

In addition to its use in food preservation and fermentation, Lactobacillus plantarum has been studied for its potential probiotic benefits. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are believed to provide health benefits when consumed, including improving digestive health, enhancing the immune system, and reducing the risk of certain diseases.

Research has suggested that Lactobacillus plantarum may have a range of potential health benefits, including:

* Improving gut barrier function and reducing inflammation in the gut
* Enhancing the immune system and reducing the risk of infections
* Alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders
* Reducing the risk of allergies and asthma
* Improving oral health by reducing plaque and preventing tooth decay

However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum and to determine its safety and effectiveness as a probiotic supplement.

Probiotics are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host." They are often referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. Probiotics are naturally found in certain foods such as fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and some cheeses, or they can be taken as dietary supplements.

The most common groups of probiotics are lactic acid bacteria (like Lactobacillus) and bifidobacteria. They can help restore the balance of bacteria in your gut when it's been disrupted by things like illness, medication (such as antibiotics), or poor diet. Probiotics have been studied for their potential benefits in a variety of health conditions, including digestive issues, skin conditions, and even mental health disorders, although more research is needed to fully understand their effects and optimal uses.

Lactobacillus brevis is a species of gram-positive, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic bacteria that belongs to the lactic acid bacteria group. It is commonly found in various environments such as plants, soil, and fermented foods like sauerkraut, pickles, and sourdough bread. Lactobacillus brevis is also part of the normal microbiota of the human gastrointestinal tract and vagina.

This bacterium is known for its ability to produce lactic acid as a metabolic end-product, which contributes to the preservation and fermentation of food. Lactobacillus brevis can also produce other compounds with potential health benefits, such as bacteriocins, which have antibacterial properties against certain pathogenic bacteria.

In some cases, Lactobacillus brevis has been investigated for its probiotic potential, although more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human health. It's important to note that while some strains of Lactobacillus brevis may have beneficial properties, others can cause infections in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions.

Erythrosine is a type of food dye that is classified as a synthetic organic chemical compound. Its chemical formula is C~20~H~6~Br~4~O~5~. Erythrosine is a form of red food coloring that is commonly used in a variety of foods and beverages, such as candies, popsicles, and maraschino cherries. It is also used in some medications and cosmetics to provide a reddish or pinkish color.

Erythrosine belongs to a class of compounds called xanthenes, which are known for their ability to fluoresce when exposed to light. This property has led to the use of erythrosine as a marker in biological research and as a forensic tool for identifying fingerprints.

Like other food dyes, erythrosine is subject to regulation by government agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure its safe use in food products. However, some studies have suggested that certain food dyes, including erythrosine, may be associated with adverse health effects such as hyperactivity in children. As a result, some organizations have called for further research on the safety of these substances and for greater restrictions on their use in food.

Soy milk is not a medical term, but it is a common term used to describe a plant-based milk alternative made from soybeans. Here's a brief description:

Soy milk is a beverage produced by soaking and grinding soybeans, then filtering the resulting mixture to remove solid particles. It is often consumed as a dairy substitute by individuals who are lactose intolerant or have milk allergies. Soy milk contains protein, carbohydrates, and fat, similar to cow's milk, but its nutritional profile may vary depending on the manufacturing process. Some brands of soy milk are fortified with calcium, vitamins B12, D, and riboflavin (B2) to resemble the nutritional content of cow's milk.

Please note that while soy milk can be a healthy alternative for many people, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with soy allergies or sensitivities. If you have any concerns about incorporating soy milk into your diet, consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian.

Lactobacillus casei is a species of Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that belongs to the genus Lactobacillus. These bacteria are commonly found in various environments, including the human gastrointestinal tract, and are often used in food production, such as in the fermentation of dairy products like cheese and yogurt.

Lactobacillus casei is known for its ability to produce lactic acid, which gives it the name "lactic acid bacterium." This characteristic makes it an important player in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, as it helps to lower the pH of the gut and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

In addition to its role in food production and gut health, Lactobacillus casei has been studied for its potential probiotic benefits. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to human health, particularly the digestive system. Some research suggests that Lactobacillus casei may help support the immune system, improve digestion, and alleviate symptoms of certain gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, more research is needed to fully understand its potential health benefits and applications.

'Clostridium butyricum' is a gram-positive, spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the environment, including soil and water. It is also part of the normal gut microbiota in humans and animals. This organism produces butyric acid as one of its main fermentation products, hence the name 'butyricum'.

While 'Clostridium butyricum' can sometimes be associated with human diseases, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying gastrointestinal disorders, it is also being investigated for its potential probiotic properties. Some studies suggest that certain strains of this bacterium may help prevent and treat various conditions, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and establish the safety and efficacy of 'Clostridium butyricum' as a probiotic.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a species of gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that naturally occurs in the human body, particularly in the mouth, intestines, and vagina. It is a type of lactic acid bacterium (LAB) that converts sugars into lactic acid as part of its metabolic process.

In the intestines, Lactobacillus acidophilus helps maintain a healthy balance of gut flora by producing bacteriocins, which are natural antibiotics that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. It also helps in the digestion and absorption of food, produces vitamins (such as vitamin K and some B vitamins), and supports the immune system.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is commonly used as a probiotic supplement to help restore or maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, particularly after taking antibiotics or in cases of gastrointestinal disturbances. It can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and some cheeses.

It's important to note that while Lactobacillus acidophilus has many potential health benefits, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from a healthcare professional.

Fermentation is a metabolic process in which an organism converts carbohydrates into alcohol or organic acids using enzymes. In the absence of oxygen, certain bacteria, yeasts, and fungi convert sugars into carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and various end products, such as alcohol, lactic acid, or acetic acid. This process is commonly used in food production, such as in making bread, wine, and beer, as well as in industrial applications for the production of biofuels and chemicals.

The term "cacao" refers to the plant Theobroma cacao, which is native to tropical regions of Central and South America. It is a small evergreen tree that produces large, football-shaped fruits called pods. Each pod contains 20-60 seeds, also known as beans, which are used to make cocoa powder and chocolate.

Cacao beans contain several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, theobromine, and caffeine, that have been shown to have potential health benefits. However, it is important to note that these benefits are typically associated with moderate consumption of cocoa products, rather than large amounts of chocolate or cacao beans themselves.

In summary, while "cacao" may be used interchangeably with "cocoa" in some contexts, the term technically refers to the plant and its seeds, rather than the processed powder or chocolate that is derived from them.

Lactobacillus reuteri is a species of gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacteria that belongs to the lactic acid bacteria group. It is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals, as well as in some fermented foods.

Lactobacillus reuteri has been studied for its potential probiotic benefits, including its ability to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, stimulate the immune system, and promote digestive health. It produces several antimicrobial compounds, such as lactic acid, reuterin, and bacteriocins, which help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut.

Lactobacillus reuteri has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial in treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and eczema. Additionally, it may help prevent dental cavities by inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria.

It's worth noting that while Lactobacillus reuteri has shown promise in various studies, more research is needed to fully understand its potential health benefits and safety.

The vagina is the canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) to the outside of the body. It also is known as the birth canal because babies pass through it during childbirth. The vagina is where sexual intercourse occurs and where menstrual blood exits the body. It has a flexible wall that can expand and retract. During sexual arousal, the vaginal walls swell with blood to become more elastic in order to accommodate penetration.

It's important to note that sometimes people use the term "vagina" to refer to the entire female genital area, including the external structures like the labia and clitoris. But technically, these are considered part of the vulva, not the vagina.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a species of gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacteria that belongs to the genus Lactobacillus. It is a rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract and is also present in some fermented foods like yogurt and cheese.

L. rhamnosus is known for its ability to produce lactic acid, which helps maintain a healthy balance of microflora in the gut and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. It has been studied for its potential probiotic benefits, including improving digestive health, enhancing immune function, and alleviating symptoms of certain gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

L. rhamnosus is also known to adhere well to the intestinal epithelium, which allows it to persist in the gut for longer periods compared to other lactobacilli species. This property has made it a popular strain for use in various probiotic supplements and functional foods. However, it is important to note that while L. rhamnosus has shown promise in several clinical studies, more research is needed to fully understand its potential health benefits and safety profile.

Bacterial adhesion is the initial and crucial step in the process of bacterial colonization, where bacteria attach themselves to a surface or tissue. This process involves specific interactions between bacterial adhesins (proteins, fimbriae, or pili) and host receptors (glycoproteins, glycolipids, or extracellular matrix components). The attachment can be either reversible or irreversible, depending on the strength of interaction. Bacterial adhesion is a significant factor in initiating biofilm formation, which can lead to various infectious diseases and medical device-associated infections.

Bacterial DNA refers to the genetic material found in bacteria. It is composed of a double-stranded helix containing four nucleotide bases - adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C) - that are linked together by phosphodiester bonds. The sequence of these bases in the DNA molecule carries the genetic information necessary for the growth, development, and reproduction of bacteria.

Bacterial DNA is circular in most bacterial species, although some have linear chromosomes. In addition to the main chromosome, many bacteria also contain small circular pieces of DNA called plasmids that can carry additional genes and provide resistance to antibiotics or other environmental stressors.

Unlike eukaryotic cells, which have their DNA enclosed within a nucleus, bacterial DNA is present in the cytoplasm of the cell, where it is in direct contact with the cell's metabolic machinery. This allows for rapid gene expression and regulation in response to changing environmental conditions.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a type of RNA that combines with proteins to form ribosomes, which are complex structures inside cells where protein synthesis occurs. The "16S" refers to the sedimentation coefficient of the rRNA molecule, which is a measure of its size and shape. In particular, 16S rRNA is a component of the smaller subunit of the prokaryotic ribosome (found in bacteria and archaea), and is often used as a molecular marker for identifying and classifying these organisms due to its relative stability and conservation among species. The sequence of 16S rRNA can be compared across different species to determine their evolutionary relationships and taxonomic positions.

Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) refers to the specific regions of DNA in a cell that contain the genes for ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Ribosomes are complex structures composed of proteins and rRNA, which play a crucial role in protein synthesis by translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins.

In humans, there are four types of rRNA molecules: 18S, 5.8S, 28S, and 5S. These rRNAs are encoded by multiple copies of rDNA genes that are organized in clusters on specific chromosomes. In humans, the majority of rDNA genes are located on the short arms of acrocentric chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22.

Each cluster of rDNA genes contains both transcribed and non-transcribed spacer regions. The transcribed regions contain the genes for the four types of rRNA, while the non-transcribed spacers contain regulatory elements that control the transcription of the rRNA genes.

The number of rDNA copies varies between species and even within individuals of the same species. The copy number can also change during development and in response to environmental factors. Variations in rDNA copy number have been associated with various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders.

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