TRICHOTHECIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Trichothecium is a genus of filamentous fungi that belongs to the family Myrotheciaceae. It consists of various species, such as Trichothecium roseum and Trichothecium coccoides, which are commonly found in soil and decaying plant materials. Trichothecium species are known for their ability to thrive in diverse habitats and are often considered as opportunistic pathogens.
These fungi typically form septate hyphae, which means their hyphae contain cross walls that divide them into distinct compartments. Colonial growth of Trichothecium often appears as a cottony or woolly texture, with colors ranging from white to pink or orange, depending on the species. Trichothecium species reproduce asexually by producing conidia, which are spores formed at the tips of specialized structures called conidiophores.
While Trichothecium species are relatively common, they are rarely associated with significant infections in humans or animals. However, they have been reported to cause superficial mycosis (fungal infections of the skin) and can occasionally lead to cases of keratomycosis (fungal infection of the cornea) in humans.
In addition to their medical relevance, some Trichothecium species have ecological significance. They play a role in the decomposition of organic matter, aiding in the recycling of nutrients in soil and decaying plant materials. Trichothecium species also have applications in biotechnology, including the production of enzymes and secondary metabolites of industrial interest.
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A genus of mould fungi sometimes causing disease of the hair.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TRICHOTHECIUM
- rrichothecium
- frichothecium
- grichothecium
- yrichothecium
- 6richothecium
- 5richothecium
- teichothecium
- tdichothecium
- tfichothecium
- ttichothecium
- t5ichothecium
- t4ichothecium
- truchothecium
- trjchothecium
- trkchothecium
- trochothecium
- tr9chothecium
- tr8chothecium
- trixhothecium
- trivhothecium
Etymology of TRICHOTHECIUM
The word "Trichothecium" has its etymology from the combination of two parts: "tricho" and "thecium".
1. "Tricho" is derived from the Greek word "thrix" (τρίχα) meaning "hair".
2. "Thecium" is derived from the Greek word "thēkion" (θήκιον) meaning "case" or "box".
Therefore, "Trichothecium" can be understood as a combination of "hair" and "case" or "box", potentially referencing the appearance of hair-like structures found in certain fungi belonging to the genus Trichothecium.
