How Do You Spell LOPHOTRICHIC?

Pronunciation: [lˌɒfətɹˈɪkɪk] (IPA)

The word "lophotrichic" is derived from the Greek words "lophos" meaning crest or tuft and "thrix" meaning hair or filament. It is commonly used in microbiology to describe bacterial cells with tufted flagella. The correct spelling of this word is /lofəʊˈtrɪkɪk/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "ph" in "lophotrichic" is pronounced as an "f", as is typical in words of Greek origin. The "o" in the second syllable is pronounced as "uh".

Meaning and Definition
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LOPHOTRICHIC Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "lophotrichic" refers to a specific type of cellular arrangement or structural characteristic often found in certain microorganisms. It is an adjective derived from the noun "lopho", which stems from the Greek word "lophos" meaning "crest" or "tuft", and the suffix "-trichic", which pertains to hair-like or filamentous structures.

    In biology, particularly in microbiology, lophotrichic describes the arrangement of flagella on a microorganism. Flagella are whip-like appendages that enable cellular movement. A lophotrichic arrangement means that these flagella emerge from a specific region, often concentrated around a structure or cluster of flagella called a tuft or crest. This configuration can be observed in various bacteria and archaea, providing them with a distinctive appearance.

    Organisms exhibiting a lophotrichic arrangement may employ their flagella collectively or independently to create propulsion and maneuver in liquid environments. This flagellar arrangement allows for directed movement towards or away from specific stimuli, such as light, heat, or chemicals.

    Understanding the lophotrichic arrangement is crucial in the identification and classification of microorganisms, as it can help differentiate between species. Furthermore, this arrangement influences the motility and behavior of these organisms, influencing their survival and interactions, such as chemotaxis or phototaxis.

    While the term "lophotrichic" primarily finds usage within the field of microbiology, it holds relevance in a broader context of cellular biology and scientific research, contributing to our understanding of the diverse and intricate structures present in the microcosmic world.

Etymology of LOPHOTRICHIC

The word "lophotrichic" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "lophos", meaning "crest" or "tuft", and "thrix", meaning "hair". These roots are often used in biology to describe certain characteristics related to hair or hair-like structures. "Lophotrichic" specifically refers to the presence of tufted or polarly distributed flagella (hair-like structures used for movement) on a microorganism.