DESULFOVIBRIO Meaning and
Definition
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Desulfovibrio is a genus of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that belongs to the family Desulfovibrionaceae. This bacterium is commonly found in anaerobic environments such as sediments, sewage sludge, and marine and freshwater ecosystems. They are chemoheterotrophic organisms that derive energy through the oxidation of various organic compounds, including carbohydrates, organic acids, and alcohols.
Desulfovibrio species are unique among bacteria because they utilize sulfate as the terminal electron acceptor in their respiratory process, a mechanism known as dissimilatory sulfate reduction. This process results in the production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which contributes to the characteristic rotten egg smell often associated with anaerobic environments. The ability of Desulfovibrio to reduce sulfate to sulfide not only affects the sulfur cycle in nature but also plays a significant role in the corrosion of metal structures in environments such as pipelines and oil wells.
Some strains of Desulfovibrio can cause health concerns, including infections in humans and animals. However, Desulfovibrio species are also valuable in various biotechnological applications such as bioremediation and the production of biofuels. Their ability to degrade toxic compounds, such as heavy metals and organic pollutants, makes them potential candidates for environmental cleanup. Additionally, their ability to produce hydrogen gas during metabolism makes them of interest for the development of renewable energy sources.
In conclusion, Desulfovibrio is a bacterium found in anaerobic environments that utilizes sulfate as an electron acceptor and participates in the sulfur cycle. It has both positive and negative implications for various fields, including environmental protection and human health.
Common Misspellings for DESULFOVIBRIO
- sesulfovibrio
- xesulfovibrio
- cesulfovibrio
- fesulfovibrio
- resulfovibrio
- eesulfovibrio
- dwsulfovibrio
- dssulfovibrio
- ddsulfovibrio
- drsulfovibrio
- d4sulfovibrio
- d3sulfovibrio
- deaulfovibrio
- dezulfovibrio
- dexulfovibrio
- dedulfovibrio
- deeulfovibrio
- dewulfovibrio
- desylfovibrio
- deshlfovibrio
Etymology of DESULFOVIBRIO
The word Desulfovibrio has Greek origins. Desulfo is derived from the Greek word desulphuris, which means free from sulfur. Vibrio is from the Greek word vibra, which means to vibrate or move swiftly. Therefore, Desulfovibrio can be translated to sulfur-free vibrion or swiftly moving, sulfur-free organism.
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