The correct spelling of the bacterial species commonly known as "pole bacillus" is Bacillus polymyxa. Its spelling can be confusing because the Latin name features polymyxa, which is pronounced /poliˈmiksə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The name refers to the bacterium's propensity to form long, chain-like structures resembling poles or filaments. B. polymyxa is a soil-dwelling bacterium with the ability to fix nitrogen and produce plant growth-promoting compounds, making it an important species for agriculture and biotechnology.
Pole bacillus is a term commonly used in microbiology to describe a specific bacterial morphology. It refers to a group of rod-shaped bacteria that possess distinct structures at their poles. Bacillus is a Latin word meaning "rod," which refers to the shape of these bacteria. The term "pole" in this context refers to the ends of the bacterial cell where specialized characteristics can be observed.
Pole bacilli are typically bacteria that have elongated rod-shaped cells with structures, such as flagella or specialized appendages, concentrated at their poles. These structures are responsible for various functions, including motility and attachment to surfaces. The presence of poles with unique structures is often an important identification characteristic used to differentiate pole bacilli from other bacteria.
The term pole bacillus can be used to describe a range of different bacterial species, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Each species may have specific adaptations or features at their poles, contributing to their unique biology and behavior.
Understanding the shape and structures of bacterial cells, including pole bacilli, is crucial for identifying and classifying bacterial species. Additionally, this knowledge helps researchers and scientists in fields such as microbiology, epidemiology, and pharmaceuticals to study and devise strategies for controlling bacterial infections or using beneficial bacteria for various applications.
Pole bacterium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pole" in "pole bacillus" refers to the shape of the bacterium, which is rod-like or cylindrical. The term "bacillus" comes from the Latin word "bacillus", meaning "small rod" or "stick".
The etymology of the word "bacillus" dates back to the mid-19th century when German scientist Ferdinand Cohn used it to describe rod-shaped bacteria. Cohn derived the term from the Greek word "baktron", meaning "staff" or "rod".
Therefore, "pole bacillus" essentially refers to a bacterium with a rod-like shape.