Bacteroidetes
Bacteroidetes
Bacteroidetes (pronunciation: /bækˌtɪərɪˈoʊdiːtiːz/) is a phylum of Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria. They are widely distributed in the environment, including in soil, sediments, and sea water, as well as in the guts of animals and humans.
Etymology
The name Bacteroidetes is derived from the Greek words "bakterion" meaning small rod and "etes" meaning resembling. Thus, the name refers to the rod-like shape of these bacteria.
Characteristics
Bacteroidetes are typically obligate anaerobes, meaning they can only survive in environments without oxygen. They are non-spore forming and non-motile. Many species of Bacteroidetes are known to be involved in the degradation of complex organic compounds in the environment. In the human gut, they play a crucial role in breaking down dietary fiber and other complex carbohydrates that cannot be digested by the human body.
Related Terms
- Gram-negative bacteria: A group of bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method of bacterial differentiation.
- Anaerobes: Organisms that can survive and grow in an oxygen-free environment.
- Human microbiota: The aggregate of microorganisms that reside on or within any of the human tissues and biofluids.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bacteroidetes
- Wikipedia's article - Bacteroidetes
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