Spirochaeta plicatilis is a bacterial species known for its unique spiral shape seen under the microscope. The word Spirochaeta is derived from the Greek words "spira" meaning coil, and "chaite" meaning hair. The phonetic transcription of "Spirochaeta" is /spaɪroʊˈkiːtə/. Plicatilis, on the other hand, is derived from the Latin word "plicatus" which means folded. The phonetic transcription of "plicatilis" is /plɪˈkeɪtɪlɪs/. The correct spelling and pronunciation of scientific names of organisms are crucial for accurate communication in biological research.
Spirochaeta plicatilis is a species of spiral-shaped bacteria belonging to the phylum Spirochaetes. This specific bacteria is characterized by its unique morphology, as its shape resembles a coiled or spiral-shaped filament.
Spirochaeta plicatilis is a motile bacterium, possessing numerous flagella that are responsible for its movement. These flagella enable the bacterium to exhibit a typical twisting or corkscrew-like locomotion, which gives rise to its name "Spirochaeta," meaning "spiral hair" in Greek.
These bacteria are typically found in various aquatic environments, including freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They are often encountered in the sediments or biofilms, where they play an important role in the cycling of organic matter by participating in the decomposition of organic materials.
In terms of their metabolism, Spirochaeta plicatilis is known to be chemoorganotrophic, meaning that they obtain their energy by breaking down organic compounds. They are also facultative anaerobes, capable of surviving in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Despite their small size, Spirochaeta plicatilis can play a crucial ecological role in their environment. They contribute to the carbon and nutrient cycling, acting as decomposers of dead organic matter. Additionally, they can serve as prey for certain microbial predators, thus influencing the dynamics of microbial communities and food webs in aquatic ecosystems.
In conclusion, Spirochaeta plicatilis is a spiral-shaped bacterium that inhabits freshwater habitats, contributing to the decomposition of organic matter and functioning as a part of the microbial food web.
A very large species, the first discovered (by Ehrenberg in 1838); it is sometimes as long as 200 micra (1/125 inch), and is non-parasitic, so far as known.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Spirochaeta plicatilis" has a Latin-based etymology.
"Spirochaeta" is derived from the Latin words "spīrō" meaning "to breathe" or "to coil", and "chaeta" meaning "long hair" or "bristle". It refers to the characteristic coiled shape of these bacteria, which resembles a spiral or a long hair.
"Plicatilis" is derived from the Latin word "plicare", meaning "to fold" or "to bend". It refers to the folding or bending nature of Spirochaeta plicatilis, potentially related to its motility or shape.
Together, "Spirochaeta plicatilis" can be interpreted as a name for a bacterium with a coiled, spiraling shape capable of folding or bending.