The word "syntrophus" is spelled /sɪntrəfəs/. The first syllable "syn" (pronounced /sɪn/) means "together with." The second syllable "tro" (pronounced /troʊ/) means "nourishment." The final two syllables "phus" (pronounced /fəs/) mean "growing" or "increasing." Therefore, the word "syntrophus" means "growing together with nourishment." It's commonly used in microbiology to refer to microbial communities that rely on each other for nutrients and energy. The accurate spelling of scientific terms is important for clear communication and understanding in the field.
Syntrophus is a noun that refers to a genus of bacteria belonging to the family Syntrophaceae, particularly known for their ability to form syntrophic relationships with other microorganisms. These bacteria are commonly found in anaerobic environments such as sediments, wastewater treatment plants, and the rumen of ruminant animals.
The bacteria of the genus Syntrophus are renowned for their unique metabolic abilities, as they can only grow in cooperation with other microorganisms. They exhibit a form of syntrophy known as interspecies hydrogen transfer, wherein they rely on the consumption of hydrogen produced by other bacteria in order to carry out their energy-producing reactions. This mutualistic interaction benefits both the Syntrophus bacteria and their hydrogen-producing partners, allowing them to sustain themselves in otherwise challenging environmental conditions.
Syntrophus bacteria are Gram-negative, non-spore-forming microorganisms, and they possess flagella that enable them to move actively towards hydrogen concentrations. These bacteria play a fundamental role in several important ecological processes, such as the decomposition of organic matter and the bioremediation of contaminants in environments polluted by hazardous compounds.
Understanding the interactions and lifestyles of organisms like Syntrophus is of great interest in diverse scientific fields including microbiology, environmental science, and engineering. Exploring the functionality and characteristics of these bacteria can provide valuable insights into the complex and interconnected microbial world, as well as offer potential applications in biotechnology and wastewater treatment.
A congenital disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "syntrophus" is derived from the Greek word "σύντροφος" (syntrophos), which is a combination of "σύν" (syn) meaning "together" or "with", and "τροφός" (trophos) meaning "nourisher" or "feeder". Thus, the literal meaning of "syntrophus" can be interpreted as "one who nourishes together" or "co-feeder".