Anaerobe
Anaerobe
Anaerobe (pronunciation: /ˈænəˌroʊb/) is a term used in Microbiology to describe organisms that can survive and grow in an environment that lacks oxygen. The term is derived from the Greek words 'an' meaning without, and 'aer' meaning air, combined with the suffix '-obe' from the Greek 'bios' meaning life.
Etymology
The term "Anaerobe" is derived from the Greek words 'an' (without), 'aer' (air), and 'bios' (life). Thus, it literally translates to "life without air".
Types of Anaerobes
Anaerobes can be classified into two main types:
- Obligate Anaerobes: These organisms are harmed by the presence of oxygen. They rely on fermentation or anaerobic respiration for energy production.
- Facultative Anaerobes: These organisms can grow with or without oxygen. In the presence of oxygen, they undergo aerobic respiration, while in its absence, they switch to anaerobic respiration or fermentation.
Medical Relevance
Anaerobes play a significant role in human health and disease. They are part of the normal microbiota in the human body, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract and skin. However, they can also cause infections when they invade sterile body sites, often following injury or surgery. Some common anaerobic pathogens include Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides fragilis, and Peptostreptococcus species.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anaerobe
- Wikipedia's article - Anaerobe
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