genus spirillum
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A taxonomic category in biological classification: "Genus Spirillum" is the scientific name for a specific genus of bacteria characterized by their spiral or corkscrew-shaped cells. This genus name is part of the formal binomial nomenclature system used to classify living organisms.
Usage
- Scientific Classification: Used exclusively in scientific contexts, particularly in microbiology and taxonomy, to refer to this specific group of spiral-shaped bacteria.
Advanced Usage
- In Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used to denote a rank above species and below family. It groups together species that share fundamental characteristics.
Variants and Related Words
- Spirillum (noun): Can refer to any bacterium of the genus , or more loosely, to any spiral-shaped bacterium.
- Spirilla (noun, plural): The plural form of spirillum.
Synonyms
- Spiral bacterium (general term): A descriptive, non-taxonomic term for bacteria with a similar shape.
- Bacterial genus (general term): Refers to the taxonomic rank itself.
Notes on Meaning
- Specificity in Biology: It is crucial to note that "Genus Spirillum" (capitalized) refers specifically to this taxonomic group. The lowercase "spirillum" is a common name for the cell shape.
- Historical Context: Some bacteria once classified in have been reclassified into other genera based on genetic analysis, but the genus name remains valid for certain species.
Noun
- a genus of bacteria