Spirochaeta balbianii is a bacterium that can be typically found in aquatic environments. This unique bacterium gets its name from the shape of its spiral-like structure. The spelling of Spirochaeta balbianii is pronounced as /spɪˈrɒkɛtə bæl.biˈɑːni/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The phonetic transcription clearly illustrates the pronunciation of each letter in the word. Understanding the phonetic transcription can help with the proper enunciation of the word Spirochaeta balbianii in scientific research and academic discussions.
Spirochaeta balbianii is a scientific name commonly referred to as a species of spiral-shaped, motile bacteria belonging to the genus Spirochaeta. It is usually found in aquatic environments, including sediments, freshwater bodies such as lakes, ponds, and rivers, as well as marine habitats. Spirochaeta balbianii is known for its distinctive spiral shape, which is a key characteristic of the Spirochaeta genus.
These bacteria are gram-negative, meaning they do not retain the violet dye in the Gram staining technique, and they possess a flexible and long, helical body with periplasmic flagella. This structural feature enables them to exhibit motility via axial flagellar rotation. Spirochaeta balbianii is typically microaerophilic, preferring environments with low oxygen levels.
Spirochaeta balbianii plays a significant role in the ecosystem as a decomposer, breaking down organic matter and aiding in nutrient recycling. It is also involved in the carbon cycle, where it contributes to the release of carbon dioxide as a byproduct of its metabolic activities.
Due to their unique characteristics and ecological functions, Spirochaeta balbianii and other members of the Spirochaeta genus have attracted attention from researchers studying the diversity and microbial ecology of aquatic environments. Further investigations are being conducted to better understand their physiology, metabolism, and potential applications in bioremediation and wastewater treatment processes.
A large species found in oysters, possibly a trypanosome.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "Spirochaeta balbianii" is as follows:
1. Spirochaeta: The word "Spirochaeta" is derived from the Greek words "spira" meaning "coil" or "twist", and "chaite" meaning "long hair" or "bristle". This is in reference to the spiral or corkscrew shape of the microorganism. It was coined by Ehrenberg in 1835.
2. Balbianii: The term "balbianii" is the specific epithet, named after the Italian microscopist Luigi Balbiani. He was a pioneer in the field of microbiology during the 19th century and made significant contributions to the study of genetics and cell division. The species denoted by "balbianii" was likely named in his honor to acknowledge his contributions to the field.