NITROSOBACTERIA Meaning and
Definition
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Nitrosobacteria refers to a group of bacteria that play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle, specifically in the process of nitrification. Nitrification involves the conversion of ammonia (NH3) to nitrate (NO3-) through two stages: the first stage carried out by nitrosifying bacteria, such as nitrosobacteria, and the second by nitrite-oxidizing bacteria.
These bacteria are aerobic and derive their energy through the oxidation of inorganic compounds. They are commonly found in various environmental settings, including soil, freshwater, and marine environments. Nitrosobacteria possess unique enzyme systems that enable them to convert ammonia into nitrite, an intermediary product in the nitrification process.
The primary function of nitrosobacteria is to convert ammonia, a toxic substance for many organisms, into nitrite. This conversion allows for the removal of excess ammonia from the environment while promoting the formation of nitrite, which is further metabolized to nitrate by nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. In agricultural and wastewater treatment systems, the presence and activity of nitrosobacteria are of great importance for maintaining balanced nitrogen levels and preventing the accumulation of harmful ammonia compounds.
Overall, nitrosobacteria are critical in the conversion of ammonia to nitrite, serving as vital contributors to the overall nitrogen cycling process in ecosystems. Their activity and presence are significant factors in maintaining ecological balance and the overall health of ecosystems.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NITROSOBACTERIA
- bitrosobacteria
- mitrosobacteria
- jitrosobacteria
- hitrosobacteria
- nutrosobacteria
- njtrosobacteria
- nktrosobacteria
- notrosobacteria
- n9trosobacteria
- n8trosobacteria
- nirrosobacteria
- nifrosobacteria
- nigrosobacteria
- niyrosobacteria
- ni6rosobacteria
- ni5rosobacteria
- niteosobacteria
- nitdosobacteria
- nitfosobacteria
Etymology of NITROSOBACTERIA
The word "nitrosobacteria" is derived from a combination of two terms: "nitroso" and "bacteria".
1. Nitroso: "Nitroso" is a prefix that originates from the Latin word "nitrosus", meaning "bearing bubbles, frothy, foamy". It is later associated with the chemical compound "nitrous oxide" or "laughing gas" due to its frothy nature. In the context of "nitrosobacteria", "nitroso" refers to the presence or involvement of nitrogen oxides in some form.
2. Bacteria: The term "bacteria" comes from the Greek word "bakterion", meaning "small rod". It refers to a group of single-celled microorganisms that are often rod-shaped and lacking a distinct nucleus.
Similar spelling words for NITROSOBACTERIA
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