CORYNEBACTERIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Corynebacterium is a genus of rod-shaped, gram-positive bacteria commonly found in various habitats, including soils, plants, and animals. These bacteria are non-spore forming, non-motile, and often exist in pairs or irregular clusters.
Characteristically, Corynebacterium cells possess a cell wall containing peptidoglycan, mycolic acids, and unique structural proteins that contribute to their distinctive appearance under a microscope. These bacteria are facultative anaerobes, meaning they can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments.
Corynebacterium species exhibit a wide range of metabolic activities. Some are beneficial as they aid in various biological processes, such as nitrogen fixation in plants and production of amino acids. Conversely, certain species are opportunistic pathogens and can cause diseases in humans and animals. Notable examples include Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which causes diphtheria, and Corynebacterium jeikeium, associated with infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Identification of corynebacteria involves various laboratory techniques, such as Gram staining, biochemical tests, and molecular methods. These procedures help differentiate between different species within the genus. Furthermore, corynebacteria are sensitive to specific antibiotics, facilitating treatment options for associated infections.
In summary, corynebacterium refers to a diverse genus of gram-positive bacteria commonly found in different environments. While some species are beneficial, others can cause diseases in humans and animals. Understanding the characteristics and pathogenic potential of these bacteria is vital for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of associated infections.
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A genus of bacilli, characterized by club-shaped swellings and metachromatic granules at the extremities, and by branching forms in old cultures.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CORYNEBACTERIUM
- xorynebacterium
- vorynebacterium
- forynebacterium
- dorynebacterium
- cirynebacterium
- ckrynebacterium
- clrynebacterium
- cprynebacterium
- c0rynebacterium
- c9rynebacterium
- coeynebacterium
- codynebacterium
- cofynebacterium
- cotynebacterium
- co5ynebacterium
- co4ynebacterium
- cortnebacterium
- corgnebacterium
- corhnebacterium
- corunebacterium
Etymology of CORYNEBACTERIUM
The word "corynebacterium" is derived from Greek. It is composed of two parts: "coryne" and "bacterium".
1. "Coryne": The Greek word "korynē" (κορύνη) means "club". It refers to the club-shaped appearance of the bacteria under a microscope.
2. "Bacterium": The Greek word "baktērion" (βακτήριον) means "small rod" or "staff". It refers to the rod-like shape of the bacteria.
Therefore, the word "corynebacterium" describes a type of bacteria that appears club-shaped or rod-shaped when viewed under a microscope.
Similar spelling word for CORYNEBACTERIUM
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