NITROBACTERIA Meaning and
Definition
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Nitrobacteria is a type of aerobic bacteria belonging to the family Nitrobacteraceae, known for its ability to facilitate the process of nitrification. Nitrification is the biological conversion of ammonia (NH3) into nitrite (NO2-) and further into nitrate (NO3-), which is a vital step in the nitrogen cycle. Nitrobacteria play a crucial role in this conversion by oxidizing nitrite ions.
These bacteria are considered chemolithotrophs, meaning they obtain their energy by oxidizing inorganic compounds. Nitrobacteria use the energy derived from the oxidation of nitrite to carry out their metabolic activities and sustain their growth. They possess a specific enzyme, called nitrite oxidoreductase, which catalyzes the conversion of nitrite into nitrate.
Nitrobacteria are commonly found in various environments, including soil, freshwater, and marine habitats. They can thrive in environments with high organic material content, high pH levels, and moderate temperatures. These bacteria contribute significantly to the maintenance of nitrogen balance in these ecosystems by recycling nitrogenous compounds.
From an ecological perspective, nitrobacteria play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of water bodies. Through their ability to convert ammonia and nitrite into nitrate, they prevent the accumulation of toxic ammonia and nitrite levels, which can have detrimental effects on aquatic organisms.
In summary, nitrobacteria are aerobic bacteria that facilitate the conversion of ammonia and nitrite into nitrate through the process of nitrification. They are vital contributors to the nitrogen cycle and are found in various environments, playing a crucial role in maintaining nitrogen balance and water quality.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NITROBACTERIA
- bitrobacteria
- mitrobacteria
- jitrobacteria
- hitrobacteria
- nutrobacteria
- njtrobacteria
- nktrobacteria
- notrobacteria
- n9trobacteria
- n8trobacteria
- nirrobacteria
- nifrobacteria
- nigrobacteria
- niyrobacteria
- ni6robacteria
- ni5robacteria
- niteobacteria
- nitdobacteria
- nitfobacteria
Etymology of NITROBACTERIA
The word "nitrobacteria" can be broken down into two parts: "nitro" and "bacteria".
The term "nitro" comes from the Latin word "nitrum", which means "saltpeter". "Nitrum" was derived from the Greek word "nitron", referring to nitre or sodium carbonate. In the context of "nitrobacteria", "nitro" is used to denote the presence of nitrogen compounds.
The word "bacteria" has its roots in the Greek language as well. "Bacteria" is a plural form of the Greek word "bakterion", meaning "small rod" or "staff". It was first used to describe microscopic, single-celled organisms with a rod-like shape.
Thus, when combined, "nitrobacteria" refers to a group of bacteria that are capable of oxidizing nitrogen compounds into nitrites or nitrates as part of their metabolic process.
Similar spelling words for NITROBACTERIA
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