GALIONELLA Meaning and
Definition
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Galionella is a genus of iron bacteria that belongs to the family Gallionellaceae. This group of bacteria is commonly found in freshwater environments and is known for its ability to oxidize iron minerals. The name Galionella is derived from the Greek words "galios" meaning milk white and "ella" meaning small, referring to the appearance of the bacteria.
Galionella bacteria can form visible iron-rich sheaths or stalks around their cells, which gives them a distinctive appearance under the microscope. These stalks are composed of iron oxide minerals that the bacteria produce as part of their metabolic processes. This iron oxidation activity is an essential characteristic of Galionella bacteria.
These bacteria are typically found in aquatic environments with high levels of dissolved iron. They thrive in environments where iron is present in both reduced and oxidized forms, as they can utilize different forms of iron for their growth and metabolism. Galionella bacteria obtain energy by oxidizing ferrous iron (Fe2+) to ferric iron (Fe3+), a process known as iron oxidation.
Galionella bacteria play a significant role in iron cycling in freshwater ecosystems. Their oxidation of iron minerals contributes to the precipitation of iron oxides and the subsequent formation of iron-rich sediments. This process has important implications for sedimentary and geochemical processes, including the cycling of nutrients and metals in aquatic systems.
In summary, Galionella is a genus of iron bacteria that oxidize iron minerals, forming characteristic sheaths or stalks around their cells. These bacteria are crucial components of iron cycling in freshwater environments.
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An abundant genus of diatoms or microscopic silicious organisms.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for GALIONELLA
- falionella
- valionella
- balionella
- halionella
- yalionella
- talionella
- gzlionella
- gslionella
- gwlionella
- gqlionella
- gakionella
- gapionella
- gaoionella
- galuonella
- galjonella
- galkonella
- galoonella
- gal9onella
- gal8onella
- galiinella
Etymology of GALIONELLA
The word "galionella" has its etymological roots in Latin and Greek. It is derived from the Latin word "galea", which means helmet, and the Greek word "ellēn", which means Greeks.
The genus name "Galionella" was coined by the German naturalist Ernst Haeckel in 1875 to describe a group of iron bacteria found in freshwater environments. Haeckel named it after the Greek warriors known as "Gallohelidae". The Greek term "Gallohelidae" combines "galea", referring to the helmets the warriors wore, and "Ἕλληνες" (Ellēnes), which means Greeks.
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