Chlamydobacterium is a scientific name for a type of bacteria, and its spelling can be a bit tricky. The word is pronounced /klæmɪdoʊbækˈtɪriəm/, according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "ch" in the beginning is an aspirated "k" sound, like "kh". The "y" represents a schwa sound, and the "ae" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat". The emphasis is on the third syllable, and the final "ium" is pronounced as "ee-uhm." Remembering these phonetic clues can help with proper spelling and pronunciation of the word.
Chlamydobacterium is a noun that refers to a genus of bacteria belonging to the phylum Chlamydiae, specifically the family Chlamydiaceae. These gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacteria are characterized by their distinctive developmental cycle, which involves two morphologically distinct forms: an infectious elementary body and a replicative reticulate body. Chlamydobacterium species are typically found in aquatic environments, such as freshwater habitats and wastewater systems.
The members of the Chlamydobacterium genus are non-motile and have a small genome size compared to other bacteria. They are typically classified as chemoheterotrophs, meaning they obtain their energy by breaking down organic molecules derived from external sources. These bacteria are also known to have a symbiotic relationship with various eukaryotic hosts, including protists and some types of amoebae.
Chlamydobacterium species can have both beneficial and pathogenic effects. Some strains have been found to play a role in nitrogen fixation, aiding in the cycling of nitrogen in aquatic ecosystems. However, certain species within this genus can also cause diseases in humans and animals, such as pneumonia, conjunctivitis, and various respiratory infections.
In conclusion, Chlamydobacterium refers to a genus of gram-negative bacteria that thrive in aquatic environments. They have a unique developmental cycle and can have both symbiotic and pathogenic effects depending on the species.
Any of the higher bacteria or members of the Chlamydobacteriaceae.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "chlamydobacterium" has a Greek origin. It is derived from two Greek words: "khlamys" (χλαμύς) meaning "cloak" or "mantle", and "bakterion" (βακτήριον) meaning "small staff" or "rod".
In this compound word, "chlamys" represents the shape or appearance of the bacterium, resembling a cloak or mantle-like structure. The term "chlamydobacterium" refers specifically to a genus of bacteria within the phylum Chlamydiae, characterized by their elongated rod-shaped morphology with a cloaked appearance.