FIBROBACTERES Meaning and
Definition
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Fibrobacteres is a taxonomic phylum within the domain of Bacteria, comprising a group of anaerobic, non-spore-forming microorganisms. The name "Fibrobacteres" is derived from the Latin words "fibra," meaning fiber, and "bacter," which refers to bacteria. This phylum is primarily composed of different species that possess long, filamentous, and fiber-digesting bacteria, which are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of herbivorous animals.
Members of the Fibrobacteres phylum are cellulolytic, meaning they possess the enzymatic capability to hydrolyze cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls. This characteristic allows them to contribute significantly to the fermentation of cellulose in the digestive systems of herbivores, aiding in the extraction of nutrients from their plant-based diets. Fibrobacteres bacteria possess unique cellular morphology, with long, segmented, and flagellated cells that aid in their motility.
Fibrobacteres are typically strict anaerobes, meaning they thrive in the absence of oxygen. They are often found in the rumen of ruminant animals, such as cows, where they play a crucial role in the breakdown of cellulose to more accessible forms of nutrients for both the host animal and other microbial populations in their complex digestive ecosystems.
The classification of Fibrobacteres as a distinct phylum within the bacterial domain is based on genetic sequencing and molecular analysis, which enables scientists to better understand and differentiate these fascinating fiber-digesting organisms from other bacterial groups.
Etymology of FIBROBACTERES
The word "Fibrobacteres" is derived from the Greek roots "fibro-" meaning "fiber" and "bacteres" which translates to "bacteria" in English. Hence, "Fibrobacteres" can be translated as "fiber bacteria". This name was given to a bacterial phylum due to the fibrous nature of their cell wall, which distinguishes them from other bacterial groups.
