Bifidobacterium

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Bifidobacterium

Bifidobacterium (pronunciation: /ˌbɪfɪdoʊbækˈtɪəriəm/) is a genus of Gram-positive, nonmotile, often branched anaerobic bacteria. They are ubiquitous inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract, the vagina, and the mouth (Bifidobacteria are one of the major genera of bacteria that make up the gut flora in mammals).

Etymology

The name Bifidobacterium is derived from the Latin word bifidus meaning "split" or "divided", and bacterium, a term in microbiology that refers to a single, often rod-shaped, bacteria cell. This is in reference to the typical Y-shaped appearance of these bacteria.

Related Terms

  • Probiotics: Live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. Bifidobacteria are often used in probiotics.
  • Gut Flora: The complex community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tracts of humans and other animals.
  • Gram-positive Bacteria: Bacteria that give a positive result in the Gram stain test, which is traditionally used to quickly classify bacteria into two broad categories.

See Also

External links

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