bacterium

/bæk'tiəriəm/

Thân thiện

A scientist observes a single bacterium under a microscope.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A microscopic, single-celled organism that lacks a nucleus and chlorophyll. Bacteria typically have a cell wall and reproduce by fission. They exist in various shapes (spherical, rod-shaped, spiral) and are ubiquitous in the environment. While some are pathogenic, many are essential for ecological and biochemical processes.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • A single bacterium can multiply rapidly under ideal conditions.
  • Scientists are studying a soil bacterium that can break down plastic.
  • The bacterium Escherichia coli is commonly found in the intestines.

Advanced Usage

• "To culture a bacterium": To grow and maintain bacteria in a laboratory medium for study.
  • The lab technician will culture the bacterium to identify the infection.
• "Gram-positive/Gram-negative bacterium": A classification based on the bacterium's cell wall structure, important in medicine.
  • Penicillin is often effective against Gram-positive bacteria.

Variants and Related Words

• Bacteria (n, plural): The common plural form of "bacterium."
  • These bacteria are beneficial for digestion.
• Bacterial (adj): Relating to or caused by bacteria.
  • She is being treated for a bacterial infection.

Synonyms

• Microbe: A general term for a microscopic organism, including bacteria.
• Germ: An informal term, often for a pathogenic microorganism.

Related Phrases

• Antibiotic-resistant bacterium: A bacterium that has evolved to survive treatment by antibiotics.
  • The spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a major health concern.

Học thuật

Noun

1. (microbiology) single-celled or noncellular spherical or spiral or rod-shaped organisms lacking chlorophyll that reproduce by fission; important as pathogens and for biochemical properties; taxonomy is difficult; often considered to be plants

Từ đồng nghĩa

• bacteria