ANAEROBE Meaning and
Definition
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Anaerobe, in the field of biology, refers to a microorganism or organism that can thrive and carry out its metabolic activities in the absence of oxygen or in oxygen-deprived environments. Unlike most living organisms, anaerobes can obtain energy for survival without the need for oxygen-mediated respiration. They rely on alternative metabolic pathways, such as fermentation or anaerobic respiration, to generate energy.
There are two primary types of anaerobes: obligate anaerobes and facultative anaerobes. Obligate anaerobes are unable to survive in the presence of oxygen and can often be harmed or killed by exposure to it. They have molecular mechanisms that protect them from potential damage caused by oxygen radicals. Facultative anaerobes, on the other hand, possess the capability to switch between anaerobic and aerobic metabolic pathways. They can adapt and survive in the presence or absence of oxygen.
Anaerobes are found in diverse environments, such as water sediments, the human gut, and decaying organic matter. Bacteria, archaea, and some eukaryotes can be classified as anaerobes. Some anaerobes play important ecological roles, like aiding in nutrient recycling and decomposition processes.
In medicine, anaerobes can be associated with certain infections, particularly in wounds or deep-seated infections. They can thrive in environments with limited oxygen supply, making them common culprits in abscesses, periodontal disease, and intra-abdominal infections. Understanding the characteristics and behavior of anaerobes is essential for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of anaerobic infections.
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A microorganism which thrives best or only when deprived of oxygen.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANAEROBE
Etymology of ANAEROBE
The word "anaerobe" derives from the Greek roots "an-" meaning "without", and "aer" meaning "air" or "oxygen". Hence, "anaerobe" literally translates to "without air" or "without oxygen". The term was first coined in 1893 by Louis Pasteur to describe microorganisms that can live and grow in the absence of oxygen.
Similar spelling words for ANAEROBE
- unwrap,
- INNORPI,
- anaerobic,
- INREB,
- enwrap,
- enrobe,
- unrope,
- ENARP,
- UNHRP,
- anrep,
- Anerobia,
- INRIB,
- ENRB,
- unripe,
- Unwarp,
- ONARP,
- inorb,
- ENRiP,
- weinreb,
- Unrip,
- ONRBO,
- Anarrhopia,
- UNARP,
- INARP,
- wainrope,
- UNRBA,
- Anaerobia,
- Unrobe,
- UNIRIB,
- ENORP,
- YNRP,
- Inwrap,
- weinraub.
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