Acidaminococcus

Acidaminococcus is a genus of bacteria that digests amino acids to produce important short chain fatty acids including butyrate.

Taxonomic Level: Genus

Family: Acidaminococcaceae

Properties: Gram-negative, Anaerobic, Nonsporulating

Additional Information: Bacteria of the genus Acidaminococcus have the ability to use amino acids as their sole energy source for growth. One species of this genus is known to digest a specific type of amino acid called glutamic acid to produce butyrate, a short chain fatty acid which has many beneficial health implications, including protection against inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer (please see the functional analysis section of your report to learn more about butyrate).

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