Spirillaceae
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A family of bacteria: Spirillaceae is the scientific name for a family of Gram-negative bacteria. These bacteria are characterized by their rigid, spiral (helical), and elongated cell shape. They are typically motile, using flagella for movement, and are often found in aquatic environments.
Usage Examples
- Scientific Context:
- Members of the Spirillaceae family are often studied in microbiology due to their distinctive morphology.
- The water sample was analyzed and found to contain bacteria belonging to Spirillaceae.
Advanced Usage
- Taxonomic Classification: The term is used primarily in scientific taxonomy (the classification of organisms). It represents a rank (family) between order and genus.
- In the latest taxonomic revision, some genera were moved out of the Spirillaceae family.
Variants and Related Words
- Spirillum (noun): A genus within the family Spirillaceae. Often used more generally to refer to any rigid, spiral-shaped bacterium.
- A common example is Spirillum volutans.
- Spirilla (noun, plural): The plural form of spirillum, referring to multiple bacteria of this shape.
- The slide showed numerous spirilla under the microscope.
Synonyms
- Scientific Synonym: There is no common English synonym. In older or alternative taxonomic systems, the composition of this family may change, but remains the standard family name.
Notes on Meaning
- Specific Scientific Term: This word has a single, highly specific meaning in the field of microbiology and taxonomy. It is not used in everyday language.
- Morphological Description: The key defining characteristic is the rigid, spirally curved, and elongate shape of the bacterial cells, as opposed to flexible spirochetes.
Noun
- rigid spirally curved elongate bacteria