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Spirochaeta

Spirochaeta

9.9
A long, flexible, spiral-shaped bacterium that lives mainly in water
  • noun
  • /ˌspaɪrəˈkiːtə/
  • Specialized
: Spirochaeta
  • The Spirochaeta species are characterized by their unique spiral shape and undulating motion.

Examples

  • The flexible cell wall of Spirochaeta allows it to move efficiently through aquatic environments.

  • Researchers collected water samples to examine the presence of Spirochaeta in local ponds.

  • The Spirochaeta genus includes many species.

  • Researchers study Spirochaeta in aquatic environments.

  • The Spirochaeta are often found in freshwater lakes and rivers, thriving in their warm, nutrient-rich waters.

  • Scientists are investigating how Spirochaeta bacteria contribute to the nutrient cycles in aquatic ecosystems.

  • A microscope revealed that the Spirochaeta had a distinctive corkscrew shape, indicating its adaptability to living in water.

Synonyms

spirochete
vsSpirochaeta
  • Specialized
2 9.9

A long thin spiral-shaped germ that can cause disease

is a specific genus of spiral bacteria found mainly in water habitats

Surface Forms

Spirochaeta singular
Spirochaetae plural

Etymology

Spirochaeta comes from Greek parts spiro- meaning 'spiral', like the English word 'spiral', and -chaeta meaning 'hair' or 'bristle', so it literally means 'spiral hair' and fits because these bacteria look like tiny, flexible coiled hairs in the water.