BACILLUS NITROBACTER Meaning and
Definition
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Bacillus Nitrobacter is a term used to refer to a bacterial species classified under the genus Bacillus. This particular species, Nitrobacter, belongs to the family of Nitrobacteraceae within the phylum Proteobacteria. It is characterized by its ability to carry out the process of nitrification, which involves the oxidation of nitrite ions (NO2-) into nitrate ions (NO3-).
Bacillus Nitrobacter is typically found in soil, water, and wastewater environments where ammonia is present. It plays a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle, as it serves as one of the key nitrifying bacteria responsible for converting toxic ammonia to nitrate, which can be utilized by plants and other organisms as a source of nitrogen.
These bacteria are chemolithoautotrophs, meaning they obtain their energy from the oxidation of inorganic compounds, such as ammonia. They possess enzymes called nitrite oxidoreductase, which facilitates the conversion of nitrite to nitrate.
Bacillus Nitrobacter has a rod-shaped morphology and is gram-negative, indicating the absence of a thick peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall. It is a facultative aerobe, capable of thriving in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Additionally, Bacillus Nitrobacter exhibits high tolerance to environmental stressors, including pH variations and heavy metals, which enables its survival in diverse habitats. Its ability to perform nitrification contributes significantly to the maintenance of nitrogen balance in ecosystems, making Bacillus Nitrobacter an important organism in biogeochemical cycles.
Etymology of BACILLUS NITROBACTER
The word "Bacillus Nitrobacter" is a combination of two separate terms: "Bacillus" and "Nitrobacter".
1. Bacillus: The term "bacillus" comes from the Latin word "bacillum", which means small rod or staff. It is the diminutive form of "baculum", which means rod or walking stick. In microbiology, the term "bacillus" refers to a genus of bacteria characterized by their rod-like shape.
2. Nitrobacter: The term "Nitrobacter" combines two components: "nitro" and "bacter".
- "Nitro" comes from the Latin word "nitrum", meaning potassium nitrate or soda. It referred to substances that contain nitrogen.
- "Bacter" is derived from the Greek word "bakterion", meaning a small staff or a small rod.
