BEGGIATOACEAE Meaning and
Definition
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Beggiatoaceae is a term used in the field of microbiology to refer to a family of filamentous bacteria. These bacteria are characterized by their unique ability to form visible filamentous chains, which can range in length from a few millimeters to several centimeters. The Beggiatoaceae family is part of the larger group of bacteria known as the Proteobacteria.
Members of the Beggiatoaceae family are commonly found in various aquatic habitats, such as freshwater, marine, and brackish environments. They are often observed in sediments, where they play important roles in biogeochemical cycling. These bacteria are known for their ability to oxidize sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, elemental sulfur, and thiosulfate, which can be found in abundance in the sediments they inhabit.
Beggiatoaceae bacteria are characterized by their unique filamentous structure, which consists of a central thread-like filament surrounded by a sheath. This sheath provides protection to the filament and also aids in the uptake of nutrients. The filaments can be highly flexible and capable of moving and bending, allowing the bacteria to navigate through their habitat.
In addition to their sulfur-oxidizing capabilities, some species of Beggiatoaceae are also known to fix carbon dioxide, playing a crucial role in primary production in certain ecosystems. Their ecological importance in nutrient cycling and energy flow makes the study of Beggiatoaceae bacteria significant in understanding the functioning of aquatic environments.
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A family of Schizomycetes, including cells in the form of elongated filaments with undulating membrane, not enclosed in a sheath.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BEGGIATOACEAE
Etymology of BEGGIATOACEAE
The etymology of the word "Beggiatoaceae" starts with the genus name "Beggiatoa", which was named after the Italian physician and naturalist Niccolò Beggiato (1682-1749). Beggiatoa is a genus of filamentous, colorless, sulfur bacteria that can be found in freshwater and marine environments. The suffix "-aceae" is a common ending used in scientific taxonomy to denote a family rank. Therefore, "Beggiatoaceae" refers to the family that encompasses the genus Beggiatoa and other related bacterial species.
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