A gut resident with roles in breaking down carbohydrates. Explore its illustrative 3D model, human context, and sources.
B. longum belongs to the human gut microbiota. Research on an infant-derived strain identified many genes for processing complex carbohydrates. This is a beneficial ecological role; effects vary by strain and context, and this profile does not recommend a probiotic product.
A beneficial role does not establish safety for every person, strain, or use. This resident profile does not assign an individual risk level.
Original procedural illustration of an unbranched, irregular B. longum rod with a schematic peptidoglycan wall, plasma membrane, nucleoid and 70S ribosomes. BacDive records the human-derived DSM 20219 type strain as Gram-positive and rod-shaped. Original LMG 11588 phenotype data in the FDA-hosted GRN 1107 submission show irregular rods, non-motility and no sporulation; this is strain-specific evidence, not an FDA endorsement. Reimann et al. report variable rod forms and V/Y patterns in NCC2705 cultures. This model represents one possible rod form, not all strains or a reconstruction of those micrographs. No flagella, endospore, Gram-negative outer membrane or unverified capsule is depicted. Colours, bending, envelope thickness, contents and growth/division shapes are diagram conventions. Independent scientific review pending. The generation-time card uses a separate, condition-specific laboratory reference; the 3D phenotype and animation substages are illustrative, not measured growth dynamics of that strain.
Source check: 2026-09-17. Educational content; independent scientific review remains pending.