[1] Having originally been grouped together with Bacteroides, as well as other Gram-negative anaerobes, advances in genetic analysis have made it clear that Fusobacterium are actually phylogenetically closer in relation to organisms such as those of the genus Leptotrichia.

[3] These sister subspecies, through the aid of previously conducted DNA sequencing efforts, have been found to possess unique differences in their genetic makeup, as well as a number of rearrangements among their protein coding genes.

[3] While the exact roles that each subspecies plays in the oral microbiome are yet to be fully studied in depth, it is known that they each contribute to the development of human infectious diseases and are some of the first Gram-negative microorganisms to arise in the formation of dental plaque.

[2] From these plaque samples, isolates of F. nucleatum were selected for further investigation and subjected to Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) for the separation and analysis of extracted soluble proteins.

[3][11] F. polymorphum feeds off of its host's nutritional consumption and begins its fermentation process by undergoing glycolysis to produce pyruvate, in order to metabolize the sugars consumed for the fulfillment of its energy production needs.

[3][13][14] Fusobacterium polymorphum, along with its sister subspecies, is readily found within the plaque of human teeth, as well as within periodontal pockets, being one of the many bacteria within the oral microbiota involved in the inflammation of the gums.

[12] Nonetheless, in most instances, the mere presence of F. polymorphum within the human body is harmless and does not always lead to the development of disease, as it is an organism that has been commonly found in the mouths of healthy individuals.

[1] On top of this, it has been found that F. nucleatum has been able to travel across the human body and begin to inhabit different variants of tissue, potentially leading to the development of diseases, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and a wide variety of respiratory conditions.

[1] Therefore, further studying of this organism of interest, Fusobacterium polymorphum, would better allow for researchers to attain a better understanding for identifying and establishing specific linkages between our selected subspecies and the plethora of health issues that arise from the general species it falls under.

[1] Moreover, this increase in research would potentially enable scientists to discover new methods for reducing the growth and proliferation of this microbe through perhaps new means of oral hygiene, for instance, before further development causes any severe damage to the human body.