The word "spirillaceae" is a term used to describe a family of bacteria that are spiral-shaped. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "spi," is pronounced as /spɪ/. The second syllable, "ril," is pronounced as /rɪl/. The third syllable, "la," is pronounced as /leɪ/. The fourth syllable, "ce," is pronounced as /si/. The final syllable, "ae," is pronounced as /iː/. The correct pronunciation of this word is /ˌspɪrɪˈleɪsiː/.
Spirillaceae is a noun that refers to a family of bacteria characterized by their spiral or helical shape. Belonging to the larger group of bacteria known as Spirillales, Spirillaceae is a taxonomic family that encompasses numerous species of gram-negative bacteria. These bacteria are commonly found in various environments, including soil, water, and the digestive tracts of animals.
Members of the Spirillaceae family possess flagella, which allow them to move actively through their surroundings. They are also classified as aerobic or facultative anaerobic organisms, indicating their preference for oxygen-rich environments but their ability to survive in environments with limited oxygen as well.
The bacteria in the Spirillaceae family exhibit a wide range of physiological and metabolic characteristics. Some are capable of photosynthesis, obtaining energy through the conversion of sunlight, while others rely on organic material for energy production. These bacteria can play diverse roles in ecosystems, including nitrogen fixation, sulfur oxidation, and decomposition.
In terms of human health, certain bacteria in the Spirillaceae family can cause diseases, such as Gastrospirillum hominis, which has been associated with gastrointestinal disorders in humans. However, many members of Spirillaceae are considered harmless or even beneficial, aiding in processes like waste degradation and nutrient cycling.
In summary, Spirillaceae is a family of bacteria with a distinctive spiral or helical shape. They exhibit a variety of physiological characteristics and can be found in a range of environmental niches. While some can be associated with disease, many species in this family serve important ecological functions.
A family of Schizomycetes, which includes the curved, more or less spiral, cells; the genera are Spirosoma, Microspira, Spirillum, and Spirochaeta.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "spirillaceae" derives from the combination of two components: "spirilla" and the suffix "-aceae".
The term "spirilla" is the plural form of "spirillum", which comes from the Latin word "spirilla", meaning "small coil" or "spiral". Its Latin origin can be traced back to the Greek word "speira", which also denotes a spiral. In biology, "spirillum" refers to a genus of bacteria characterized by their spiral-shaped appearance.
The suffix "-aceae" originates from Latin and is commonly used in the scientific classification of organisms. It signifies a family or group of related organisms. This suffix is derived from the Latin word "aceus", which means "pertaining to" or "resembling".