The word "mesobacterium" is spelled with the prefix "meso-" meaning "middle," the root "bacterium" meaning "bacterium," and the suffix "-ium" indicating a place or thing. It is pronounced /ˌmɛsəbækˈtɪriəm/. The IPA phonetic transcription reveals the correct way to pronounce the word, with the stress on the second syllable. This word is commonly used in microbiology to refer to bacteria of a particular size range. It's important to spell scientific terms accurately to ensure clear communication in the scientific community.
Mesobacterium is a term used in microbiology to refer to a genus of bacteria that belong to the phylum Firmicutes. These bacteria are classified as gram-positive, non-spore forming rods, and they are typically found in a wide range of environments such as soil, water, and the human gastrointestinal tract.
Members of the Mesobacterium genus are often characterized by their ability to tolerate various environmental conditions, including extreme pH levels and temperatures. They are also known for their metabolic versatility, as they can utilize different carbon sources for energy production.
In terms of their ecological significance, mesobacteria play an important role in nutrient cycling and can contribute to the decomposition of organic matter through their enzymatic activities. Some species within this genus have been found to possess antimicrobial properties, making them potentially valuable in the field of biotechnology for the development of novel antibiotics.
From a medical perspective, certain mesobacteria have been associated with infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Proper identification and characterization of these bacteria are important for clinical management and treatment strategies.
Overall, mesobacterium is a diverse and adaptable group of bacteria that have significant implications in various aspects of microbiology, including ecology, biotechnology, and human health.
A bacterium of medium size.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "mesobacterium" is a combination of two parts: "meso" and "bacterium".
The prefix "meso" derives from the Greek word "mesos", which means "middle" or "intermediate". In scientific terminology, "meso-" is used to indicate middle or intermediate forms or positions.
The term "bacterium" comes from the Greek word "bakterion", meaning "small staff". It is a singular form of the word "bacteria", which refers to a group of microorganisms known for their simple cellular structure and diverse characteristics.
Therefore, "mesobacterium" can be understood as an organism that falls in the middle or intermediate range of bacterial characteristics.