Actinomyces
Actinomyces
Actinomyces (/ækˌtɪnəʊˈmaɪsiːz/) is a genus of the Actinobacteria class of bacteria. They are all Gram-positive. Actinomyces species are facultatively anaerobic (an organism that makes ATP by aerobic respiration if oxygen is present, but is capable of switching to fermentation or anaerobic respiration if oxygen is absent), and they grow best under anaerobic conditions. Actinomyces species do not form endospores, and, while individual bacteria are rod-shaped, Actinomyces colonies form fungus-like branched networks of hyphae.
Etymology
The term "Actinomyces" is derived from Greek words meaning "ray fungus", an apt description of the organism's tendency to form radiating filaments or hyphae.
Related Terms
- Actinobacteria: A class of bacteria to which Actinomyces belongs.
- Gram-positive bacteria: A group of bacteria that gives a positive result in the Gram stain test.
- Facultatively anaerobic: An organism that can survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments.
- Endospores: A resistant asexual spore that develops inside some bacteria cells.
- Hyphae: Each of the branching filaments that make up the mycelium of a fungus.
See Also
- Actinomycosis: A rare infectious bacterial disease caused by Actinomyces species.
- Anaerobic organism: Any organism that does not require oxygen for growth.
- Aerobic organism: An organism requiring oxygen for growth.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Actinomyces
- Wikipedia's article - Actinomyces
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