PETALOBACTERIA Meaning and
Definition
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Petalobacteria refers to a group of gram-negative bacteria that are commonly found in various aquatic habitats such as freshwater environments, salt lakes, and hot springs. They belong to the phylum Chlorobi, specifically within the class Chlorobia, and are characterized by their unique cell structure and metabolism.
The name "petalobacteria" is derived from the Greek words for "petal" and "bacteria," which aptly describes their distinctive petal-like cellular structure. These bacteria typically have flat, oval-shaped cells arranged in a neat pattern, resembling petals on a flower. This arrangement allows them to efficiently capture and utilize light energy for photosynthesis, similar to plants, utilizing bacteriochlorophylls and green sulfur pigments.
Petalobacteria are anaerobic organisms, meaning they thrive in oxygen-depleted environments. They use specialized metabolic pathways, including reductive sulfur assimilation and the oxidation of elemental sulfur, to obtain energy for growth and survival. These metabolic capabilities enable them to colonize sulfur-rich habitats where other microorganisms may struggle to survive.
As an ecologically versatile group, petalobacteria play a vital role in the ecosystems they inhabit. They actively participate in sulfur cycling and contribute to the production of organic matter through photosynthesis. Some species also have the ability to fix nitrogen, making them biologically relevant in nutrient cycling processes.
Due to their distinct characteristics and ecological significance, petalobacteria have attracted attention from researchers studying microbial biodiversity and their roles in various environments. Advances in molecular techniques have allowed for a deeper understanding of their genetic potential and ecological functions, enhancing our knowledge of these intriguing organisms.
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Bacteria forming colonies in the shape of broad thin sheets.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PETALOBACTERIA
- oetalobacteria
- letalobacteria
- -etalobacteria
- 0etalobacteria
- pwtalobacteria
- pstalobacteria
- pdtalobacteria
- prtalobacteria
- p4talobacteria
- p3talobacteria
- peralobacteria
- pefalobacteria
- pegalobacteria
- peyalobacteria
- pe6alobacteria
- pe5alobacteria
- petzlobacteria
- petslobacteria
- petwlobacteria
- petqlobacteria
Etymology of PETALOBACTERIA
The word "petalobacteria" is a combination of two parts: "petal" and "bacteria".
1. "Petal" is derived from the Greek word "petalon", which means "a leaf" or "a petal". It is typically used to refer to the colorful, delicate segments of a flower, often associated with attracting pollinators.
2. "Bacteria" refers to a group of microscopic single-celled organisms that generally lack a nucleus and are classified within the domain of life called Bacteria. The term "bacteria" originates from the Greek word "bakterion", meaning "little rod" or "cane".
When combined, "petalobacteria" refers to a hypothetical or fictional term, as it is not a recognized scientific term.
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