SPIROCHAETA Meaning and
Definition
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Spirochaeta is a genus of Gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacteria that belongs to the family Spirochaetaceae. These bacteria are characterized by their unique morphology, with their long, flexible, and helical bodies. The term "spirochaeta" is derived from the Greek words "spira" meaning spiral and "chaite" meaning hair.
Spirochaeta bacteria are known for their ability to move in corkscrew-like motions using their axial filaments, which are located within their periplasmic space. These filamentous structures enable their motility through rotation, propelling them in a spiral fashion. Spirochaeta organisms are typically microaerophilic or anaerobic, meaning they prefer low-oxygen environments.
Members of the genus Spirochaeta are found in various ecological niches, including freshwater and marine environments, soil, and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals. They have been responsible for causing diseases in humans such as syphilis and Lyme disease, both of which are sexually transmitted and vector-borne infections, respectively. Spirochaeta bacteria are also involved in numerous animal diseases.
Due to their distinct morphology and mode of motility, spirochaeta bacteria have been the subject of scientific interest and research. Their study has contributed significantly to our understanding of bacterial physiology, movement, and the mechanisms underlying pathogenicity.
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A genus of Mastigophora, or flagellated protozoans, the members of which are of wavy or twisted thread-like form, with an undulating membrane; many are parasitic in the blood of vertebrates; also written Spirochaete. The genus was formerly, and still is by some bacteriologists, included under the Schizomycetes in the family Spirillaceae.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPIROCHAETA
- apirochaeta
- zpirochaeta
- xpirochaeta
- dpirochaeta
- epirochaeta
- wpirochaeta
- soirochaeta
- slirochaeta
- s-irochaeta
- s0irochaeta
- spurochaeta
- spjrochaeta
- spkrochaeta
- sporochaeta
- sp9rochaeta
- sp8rochaeta
- spieochaeta
- spidochaeta
- spifochaeta
Etymology of SPIROCHAETA
The word "spirochaeta" is derived from Greek roots.
The term "spiro" comes from the Greek word "speira", meaning "a coil" or "a spiral". This refers to the distinctive shape of the microorganisms belonging to the genus Spirochaeta. The Greeks used the term "speira" to describe things that had a twisted, helical, or coiled appearance.
The second part of the word, "chaeta", comes from the Greek word "khaite", which means "hair" or "bristle". This refers to the long, helical shape of the microorganisms resembling fine hairs or filaments.
When combined, "spirochaeta" refers to the spiral-shaped, filamentous bacteria in the genus Spirochaeta.
Similar spelling words for SPIROCHAETA
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