How Do You Spell BACILLUS MARSILIENSIS?

Pronunciation: [bˈasɪləs mˌɑːsɪlˈi͡ənsɪs] (IPA)

The word "Bacillus marsiliensis" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as [bəˈsɪləs mɑːrsɪliˈɛnsis]. The first part, "Bacillus," is pronounced with a short "a" sound in the second syllable, followed by a soft "s" sound in the third syllable. The second part, "marsiliensis," is pronounced with a long "a" sound in the second syllable, and a stressed "i" sound in the fifth syllable. This word is used to describe a bacterial species that was discovered in the Marsili Rift in the Mediterranean Sea.

BACILLUS MARSILIENSIS Meaning and Definition

  1. Bacillus marsiliensis is a species of rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacteria belonging to the Bacillus genus. This species was first discovered and isolated from marine sediment samples obtained near different hydrothermal vents in the Marsili Seamount. The term "marsiliensis" in the scientific name is derived from the location of its discovery.

    Bacillus marsiliensis is characterized by its ability to form endospores, which are specialized structures that allow the bacteria to survive in unfavorable conditions. These endospores are highly resistant to heat, desiccation, and various chemical agents, enabling the bacterium to withstand harsh environments.

    In terms of metabolism, Bacillus marsiliensis is known to be an obligate chemolithoautotroph, meaning it obtains its energy from inorganic compounds and can fix carbon dioxide as its sole source of carbon. This bacterium is capable of using the reduction of Fe(III) as its energy source, which sets it apart from other Bacillus species.

    While its exact ecological role is still under investigation, Bacillus marsiliensis is believed to play a part in the biogeochemical cycling of iron in hydrothermal environments. The reduction of Fe(III) by this bacterium can contribute to the release of iron into the surrounding ecosystem, potentially influencing the distribution and availability of iron-dependent organisms.

    Overall, Bacillus marsiliensis is a unique species of bacteria found in hydrothermal vents which possess distinctive metabolic and survival characteristics, making it an intriguing subject for further study in the field of microbiology and biogeochemistry.

Etymology of BACILLUS MARSILIENSIS

The etymology of the word "Bacillus marsiliensis" can be broken down as follows:

1. Bacillus: The term "Bacillus" is derived from the Latin word "bacillum", which means a "small staff" or "rod". It was first used by the German physician and microbiologist Ferdinand Cohn in 1872 to describe rod-shaped bacteria.

2. Marsiliensis: The term "marsiliensis" refers to the location where the bacterium Bacillus marsiliensis was discovered. It is derived from the Latin word "Marsilia", which is the genitive case of "Marsilium", indicating "belonging to Marsilius". Marsilia can be considered a toponym or a geographic descriptor, often indicating the place where the organism was found or named after.