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Akkermansia muciniphila
Akkermansia muciniphila
Gram Negativebacilli
Description
A. muciniphila is a gram-negative, strictly anaerobic bacterium that resides in the gut mucus layer. It's associated with metabolic health, gut barrier integrity, and may play a role in obesity and diabetes management.
Membrane Composition
Key Properties
Peptidoglycan:2-7 nm (thin)
Lipopolysaccharide:Present
Teichoic Acid:Absent
Outer Membrane:Present
Membrane Components
- •Inner membrane
- •Thin peptidoglycan
- •Outer membrane with LPS
- •Pili for mucus adhesion
Understanding Gram Classification
Gram-negative bacteria do not retain the crystal violet stain due to their thin peptidoglycan layer (2-7 nm) and outer membrane structure. They appear pink/red after counterstaining with safranin.
The cell envelope has a complex structure: an inner membrane, a thin peptidoglycan layer in the periplasmic space, and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS). This outer membrane provides extra protection against antibiotics and immune responses.