Bacilli
Bacilli
Bacilli (pronunciation: /bəˈsɪlaɪ/) are a type of bacteria that are rod-shaped. The term "bacilli" is derived from the Latin word bacillus, which means "little staff".
Etymology
The term "bacilli" is the plural form of the Latin word bacillus, which means "little staff". This term was first used in the late 19th century to describe the rod-like shape of these bacteria.
Characteristics
Bacilli are typically aerobic organisms, but there are some that are facultative anaerobes, meaning they can survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments. They are also Gram-positive bacteria, which means they have a thick peptidoglycan cell wall that retains the violet stain used in the Gram stain procedure.
Types of Bacilli
There are many different types of bacilli, including:
- Bacillus anthracis - the cause of anthrax
- Bacillus cereus - a common cause of food poisoning
- Bacillus subtilis - used in research and as a probiotic
- Listeria monocytogenes - the cause of listeriosis
Related Terms
- Bacteria - Microorganisms that can be found everywhere. They can be harmful, beneficial, or neutral.
- Aerobic - Organisms or processes that require oxygen.
- Facultative Anaerobes - Organisms that can survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments.
- Gram-positive bacteria - Bacteria that have a thick peptidoglycan cell wall that retains the violet stain used in the Gram stain procedure.
- Peptidoglycan - A polymer that forms a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane of most bacteria, forming the cell wall.
- Gram stain - A staining technique used to classify bacteria.
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