NITRATE BACTERIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Nitrate bacterium refers to a type of bacterium that is capable of carrying out the process of nitrate reduction. These bacteria are able to convert nitrate (NO3-) into nitrite (NO2-) through the process of nitrate respiration. Nitrate bacteria obtain energy through the reduction of nitrate, utilizing it as a terminal electron acceptor in the absence of oxygen. This process is known as anaerobic respiration.
Nitrate bacteria play a vital role in the nitrogen cycle, where they help in the conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas (N2), completing the process of denitrification. Denitrification, carried out by certain nitrate bacteria, involves the reduction of nitrate to gaseous nitrogen, which is then released into the atmosphere, effectively returning nitrogen to its inert form.
The presence of nitrate bacteria in various environments, such as soil, water, and sediments, is crucial for maintaining the balance of nitrogen compounds. These bacteria contribute significantly to the biological removal of nitrate, helping to prevent the accumulation of excess nitrate in ecosystems that could lead to negative environmental impacts, such as eutrophication.
Overall, nitrate bacteria are essential microorganisms that facilitate the cycling of nitrogen in natural systems through their ability to reduce nitrate. Their existence and activity are significant for nutrient recycling, maintaining ecological balance, and mitigating the harmful effects of excess nitrates in the environment.
Common Misspellings for NITRATE BACTERIUM
- bitrate bacterium
- mitrate bacterium
- jitrate bacterium
- hitrate bacterium
- nutrate bacterium
- njtrate bacterium
- nktrate bacterium
- notrate bacterium
- n9trate bacterium
- n8trate bacterium
- nirrate bacterium
- nifrate bacterium
- nigrate bacterium
- niyrate bacterium
- ni6rate bacterium
- ni5rate bacterium
- niteate bacterium
- nitdate bacterium
- nitfate bacterium
Etymology of NITRATE BACTERIUM
The term "nitrate bacterium" is not a single word but a combination of two separate words, "nitrate" and "bacterium".
1. Nitrate: The word "nitrate" is derived from the Latin word "nitrum", which means "native soda" or "saltpeter". It was originally used in chemistry to refer to any chemical compound containing the nitrate ion (NO3-). The term later extended to include the presence of nitrate compounds found in nature.
2. Bacterium: The word "bacterium" comes from the Greek word "baktērion", meaning "small rod". It refers to microorganisms that are prokaryotic, meaning they lack a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Together, "nitrate bacterium" describes a bacterium that is capable of using nitrate as a source of energy or for respiration.
Similar spelling word for NITRATE BACTERIUM
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