What carbon source does Veillonella prefer?

What carbon source does Veillonella prefer?

• A. Glucose
• B. Fructose
• C. Lactate (and malate)
• D. Sucrose

Answer: (C)

Veillonella are lactate-utilizing bacteria in oral biofilms. They don’t rely on glycolysis to process sugars like glucose, fructose, or sucrose, so they don’t use these carbohydrates as their main energy source. Instead, they thrive by taking up lactate produced by neighboring sugar-fermenting bacteria (such as streptococci) and converting it into energy, with end products like propionate and acetate. This lactate-based metabolism is why lactate is the preferred carbon source. Some Veillonella can also utilize malate under certain conditions, but lactate remains the primary substrate driving their growth in the mouth.

Veillonella are lactate-utilizing bacteria in oral biofilms. They don’t rely on glycolysis to process sugars like glucose, fructose, or sucrose, so they don’t use these carbohydrates as their main energy source. Instead, they thrive by taking up lactate produced by neighboring sugar-fermenting bacteria (such as streptococci) and converting it into energy, with end products like propionate and acetate. This lactate-based metabolism is why lactate is the preferred carbon source. Some Veillonella can also utilize malate under certain conditions, but lactate remains the primary substrate driving their growth in the mouth.