BACILLUS PASTEURII Meaning and
Definition
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Bacillus pasteurii is a species of rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium that is commonly found in soil and sediment environments. It belongs to the genus Bacillus, which is known for its ability to produce various enzymes and metabolites that contribute to both beneficial and harmful effects in a diverse range of ecosystems.
Bacillus pasteurii is considered a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can survive and grow in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It is characterized by its ability to produce an enzyme called urease, which plays a vital role in its survival. This enzyme enables the bacterium to hydrolyze urea, a nitrogen-containing compound found in soil, into ammonia and carbon dioxide.
The unique ability of Bacillus pasteurii to produce large amounts of ammonia through its urease activity has led to its application in various industries and environmental remediation processes. It is widely used in the field of civil engineering for a process called microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP). MICP involves the injection of the bacterium into concrete cracks or soil, where it produces calcium carbonate minerals upon exposure to urea and calcium ions. This process helps to strengthen and repair structures, as well as reduce water permeability and soil erosion.
Overall, Bacillus pasteurii is a versatile bacterium that has valuable applications in engineering and environmental fields due to its unique metabolic capabilities and ability to induce calcium carbonate precipitation.
Etymology of BACILLUS PASTEURII
The etymology of the word "Bacillus pasteurii" originated from the combination of two components: "bacillus" and "pasteurii".
1. Bacillus: The term "bacillus" comes from the Latin word "bacillum", meaning a small staff or rod-shaped instrument. It was first used by German botanist Ferdinand Cohn in the mid-19th century to describe rod-shaped bacteria. This term is commonly used to describe various rod-shaped bacteria species.
2. Pasteurii: The term "pasteurii" is derived from the name of renowned French scientist Louis Pasteur (1822-1895). Pasteur made significant contributions to the field of microbiology and is often regarded as the father of germ theory. He conducted research on the role of microorganisms in fermentation, putrefaction, and infectious diseases, leading to the development of pasteurization and sterilization techniques.
