Clostridia (Noun)
Meaning
Spindle-shaped bacterial cell especially one swollen at the center by an endospore.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Clostridium botulinum is a type of clostridia that can produce the botulinum toxin, which is responsible for botulism in humans and animals.
- Clostridia play a significant role in the decomposition process of organic matter in soil and sediments.
- The presence of clostridia in the gut microbiome has been linked to various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Clostridium difficile is a type of clostridia that can cause diarrhea and colitis in humans, especially in people who have taken antibiotics.
- In some species of clostridia, the endospore can survive extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and radiation, and remain viable for many years.