AMPHITRICHOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Amphitrichous is an adjective that pertains to the ability of an organism or cell to possess flagella or hair-like appendages at both ends or poles. Derived from the Greek words "amphi" meaning "both," and "thrix" meaning "hair," it describes a specific arrangement or distribution of flagella.
In biology, especially in microbiology, amphitrichous describes the structural characteristic of certain microbial species, such as some bacteria or protists, that possess flagella at both ends of their cells. These flagella enable the organism to exhibit a unique swimming or motility behavior. Amphitrichous microorganisms are able to propel themselves through liquid environments, like water or bodily fluids, efficiently and in various directions due to their flagellum arrangement.
The opposite of amphitrichous is monotrichous, which refers to organisms that have a single flagellum or hair-like appendage, located either at one pole or at one end of the cell. Amphitrichous flagella are often seen in organisms that inhabit aquatic environments, allowing them to move through the medium swiftly and seek out favorable conditions for their survival, such as nutrients or light. In some cases, amphitrichous flagella can also assist in the attachment of certain bacteria to surfaces, aiding in their colonization or biofilm formation.
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Having a flagellum or flagella at both extremities, noting certain microorganisms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AMPHITRICHOUS
- zmphitrichous
- smphitrichous
- wmphitrichous
- qmphitrichous
- anphitrichous
- akphitrichous
- ajphitrichous
- amohitrichous
- amlhitrichous
- am-hitrichous
- am0hitrichous
- ampgitrichous
- ampbitrichous
- ampnitrichous
- ampjitrichous
- ampuitrichous
- ampyitrichous
- amphutrichous
- amphjtrichous
- amphktrichous
Etymology of AMPHITRICHOUS
The word "amphitrichous" comes from the combination of two Greek roots. The first part, "amphi", means "both" or "around", and the second part, "trichous", is derived from "thrix" which means "hair". Thus, "amphitrichous" can be literally translated as "having hair on both sides" or "having hair all around". In biology, the term is used to describe microorganisms, particularly bacteria, that have flagella or cilia on both ends or all around their body.
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