GLYCOBACTER Meaning and
Definition
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Glycobacter is a type of bacteria belonging to the class Alphaproteobacteria, specifically in the family Sphingomonadaceae. These bacteria are commonly found in various environments, including soil, freshwater, and marine habitats. The term "glycobacter" is derived from the Greek words "glykos," meaning sugar, and "bakterion," meaning little rod or staff. This nomenclature is based on the bacteria's ability to utilize various sugars as a source of energy.
Glycobacter species are recognized for their unique metabolic properties, as some of them can degrade complex polysaccharides found in plant materials. This capability enables them to contribute to the recycling of organic matter in the environment. Additionally, some species within this genus are known to produce glycolipids, which are molecules composed of a lipid moiety and a sugar component. These glycolipids have various biological activities like antimicrobial properties and have been studied for their potential applications in medicine and biotechnology.
Glycobacter bacteria are typically aerobic, meaning they require oxygen for growth, and they are usually motile. They possess singular, polar flagella that enable them to move in aquatic environments. These bacteria are gram-negative, meaning they have a thin cell wall and appear pink when stained with the Gram stain method. Due to their diverse metabolic capabilities and intriguing properties, Glycobacter species continue to be an area of interest for researchers studying microbial ecology, biodegradation processes, and biotechnological applications.
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A microorganism, found in the intestine of the dog, which converts protein into sugar.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLYCOBACTER
- flycobacter
- vlycobacter
- blycobacter
- hlycobacter
- ylycobacter
- tlycobacter
- gkycobacter
- gpycobacter
- goycobacter
- gltcobacter
- glgcobacter
- glhcobacter
- glucobacter
- gl7cobacter
- gl6cobacter
- glyxobacter
- glyvobacter
- glyfobacter
- glydobacter
- glycibacter
Etymology of GLYCOBACTER
The term "glycobacter" is derived from two components: "glyco-" and "bacter".
1. "Glyco-" is a root taken from the Greek word "glykys", meaning sweet or sugar. It is commonly used as a prefix in biology to refer to molecules or structures that are related to sugars or carbohydrates.
2. "Bacter" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "baktērion", meaning "small stick" or "rod". It is used to denote bacteria, which are single-celled microorganisms shaped like rods or sticks.
Therefore, when combined, the term "glycobacter" refers to a bacterium that has a particular association with or relation to sugars or carbohydrates.
