BEGGIATOA ALBA Meaning and
Definition
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Beggiatoa alba is a species of filamentous bacteria belonging to the genus Beggiatoa, found predominantly in aquatic habitats. Its name, "Beggiatoa," is derived from the Italian scientist, A.M. Beggiato, who first identified and described this organism. The species epithet, "alba," is derived from the Latin word for "white," which reflects the characteristic coloration exhibited by these bacteria.
Beggiatoa alba is notable for its filamentous structure, consisting of long chains of individual cells, which collectively form visible, white mats with a cotton-like appearance. These mats can be found primarily in freshwater and marine environments, often occurring in oxygen-depleted or sulfide-rich areas such as sediments, mud, or marine snow.
Like other members of the Beggiatoa genus, Beggiatoa alba is chemoautotrophic, meaning it derives energy by oxidizing inorganic chemical compounds. This bacterium harnesses energy from the oxidation of sulfide (H2S) to sulfate (SO42-), using the process of chemotaxis to move toward sulfide-rich environments.
Beggiatoa alba plays an important role in the sulfur cycle of aquatic ecosystems, as it serves as both a sulfur oxidizer and a sulfate reducer. Through its oxidative metabolism, it converts toxic hydrogen sulfide into sulfate, contributing to the overall balance of sulfur compounds in the environment.
Overall, Beggiatoa alba is a filamentous bacterium found in aquatic ecosystems, known for its distinctive white appearance and its ability to utilize sulfide as a source of energy.
Etymology of BEGGIATOA ALBA
The word "Beggiatoa" comes from the Italian botanist Giovanni Battista Lambertini, who first described the genus in the 18th century. He named it in honor of his contemporary, the Italian physician and naturalist Nicolaus Thomas Host, who used the pseudonym "Pseudobeggiatoa".
The species name "alba" is Latin for "white" and refers to the color of the filaments produced by Beggiatoa alba.
