Which of the following best describes Veillonella's ecological role with lactate?

Which of the following best describes Veillonella's ecological role with lactate?

• A. Lactate catalyst
• B. Lactate neutralizer
• C. Lactate source
• D. Lactate sink

Answer: (D)

Veillonella participates in cross-feeding in oral biofilms by consuming lactate produced by other bacteria, so it functions as a lactate sink. It uses lactate as a carbon source and energy, converting it to propionate and acetate, which reduces lactate buildup and helps moderate local acidity. This role comes from its metabolism, not from producing lactate or merely acting as a catalyst or neutralizer. So the ecological impact is removing lactate from the environment, making Veillonella a lactate sink.

Veillonella participates in cross-feeding in oral biofilms by consuming lactate produced by other bacteria, so it functions as a lactate sink. It uses lactate as a carbon source and energy, converting it to propionate and acetate, which reduces lactate buildup and helps moderate local acidity. This role comes from its metabolism, not from producing lactate or merely acting as a catalyst or neutralizer. So the ecological impact is removing lactate from the environment, making Veillonella a lactate sink.