Which microorganism is cited as an example of broad substrate utilization?

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Metabolic versatility is being tested here—how broadly a microorganism can use different carbon sources for growth. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a classic example of broad substrate utilization because it can metabolize a wide array of organic compounds, from simple sugars and organic acids to diverse hydrocarbons and complex aromatic compounds. Its genome encodes many catabolic pathways and flexible regulatory systems that let it switch gears to exploit whatever nutrients are available, enabling growth in varied environments—from soil and water to clinical settings. This broad metabolic capability stands out when compared with others like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which concentrates on sugar metabolism and fermentation; Streptococcus pyogenes, which has a more restricted substrate range; and Escherichia coli, which is versatile but generally not as expansive in substrate use as Pseudomonas.