Micrococcus leucochromagenes is a bacterium that is commonly found in soil and water. The word is pronounced as /ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈkɒk.əs ˌluː.koʊ.kroʊˈmeɪ.dʒəniz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first part, Micrococcus, is spelled phonetically based on the Greek word "mikros" which means small, and "kokkos" which means berry or grain. The second part, leucochromagenes, denotes the bacterium's ability to produce a white pigment. This term is also derived from Greek, with "leukos" meaning white, "chroma" meaning color, and "genes" meaning producing.
Micrococcus leucochromagenes is a bacterium belonging to the genus Micrococcus, which is a member of the family Micrococcaceae. It is a Gram-positive, non-motile, and non-spore-forming coccus, commonly found in natural environments such as soil and water.
The species name, leucochromagenes, refers to its characteristic ability to produce a white color pigment when grown on suitable media. Micrococcus leucochromagenes typically forms small colonies that are spherical or irregular in shape and exhibit a smooth or slightly wrinkled surface. It is an aerobic organism, meaning it grows best in the presence of oxygen. However, it can also tolerate low oxygen conditions.
Micrococcus leucochromagenes is known for its ability to degrade various types of organic compounds, making it important in bioremediation processes. It has been identified as a potential candidate for the biodegradation of hydrocarbons and other pollutants found in soil and water. Additionally, it has been isolated from the skin of mammals, including humans, without causing any known diseases or infections.
This bacterium is considered non-pathogenic and does not display any notable virulence factors. It is considered a relatively harmless microorganism, and its presence in the environment or on the skin is generally considered to be part of the normal microbial flora.
A bacterium found among the intestinal flora of residents in the tropics.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "Micrococcus leucochromagenes" is a scientific name given to a specific species of bacteria belonging to the Micrococcus genus. Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Micrococcus: The word "Micrococcus" originates from the Greek words "mikros" meaning "small" and "kokkos" meaning "berry". This name was coined by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, a Dutch scientist known as the "Father of Microbiology", who observed and described these bacteria as small spherical cells resembling tiny berries.
2. Leucochromagenes: The term "leucochromagenes" is a combination of two words.