Bacillus is a rod-shaped bacterium

Bacteria - the smallest organisms, microscopic, which are not visible to the naked eye. They do not have a shell-bound kernel. There are more than 3000 species of such microorganisms in modern science, among which a wide segment is occupied by bacilli. The bacillus is a rod-shaped bacterium. And its name directly indicates the appearance (Latin: bacillum - stick). These bacteria were named by the German scientist W. Kohn in a form reminiscent of a wand.

The genus of bacteria

What does bacteriology mean by the general name "bacillus"? This is a fairly extensive genus of gram-positive bacteria of characteristic form. And first of all, in addition to appearance, they are united by the ability to form intracellular spores, serving for reproduction and preservation of the species under unfavorable conditions. Not all, but some of the bacilli cause diseases and toxic infections in humans, which means they are pathogenic (we'll discuss them in more detail below). And many of these bacteria are saprophytes, mostly found in the soil.

Conditional classification

It should be noted that "bacterium bacilli" is a rather conventional classification. Today it is used very rarely in microbiology. This convention is due to the fact that the shape of bacilli is characteristic of many bacteria (except for cocci having a rounded one), and a great many microorganisms can be characterized in appearance as rods. But nevertheless it is possible to determine some basic characteristics that generalize the genus.

Main characteristics

1. Most bacilli are saprophytes. They convert organics into inorganic compounds as a result of their vital activity.
2. Tolerance to oxygen. For them, it is not a poison, and many use it for breathing (aerobic).
3. Bacilli carry out their life through chemical reactions.
4. These bacteria are mobile and move with the help of flagella.
5. Virulence: many bacilli cause disease in the human body.

Unions

Many rod-shaped bacilli are grouped into several cells.

• Diplobacillus is a paired amalgamation, two bacterial cells combine.
• Streptobacillus is a chain where several cells are grouped together. So, for example, an anthrax wand has a very long chain of associations in the form of twisted strands.

Disputes

The bacillus is a bacterium that can form spores. This spore formation can serve as one of the most obvious signs for classification. And the shape of the bacilli varies from the position of the spores in the bacterial cell. In a tetanus stick, for example, spores are knocked over the end of the cells, giving them the appearance of tympanic sticks (clostridia). And in oil-bacillus bacilli - in the middle of the cells, so they give them a spindle-shaped shape (plectridia).

Spores of bacteria are recognized by scientists as the most enduring formations of all life forms on planet Earth. It is characteristic that in a state of rest, the spores do not have a metabolism. They are resistant to steam, drying, radiation, lack of oxygen, acids. At rest, the spores are very durable. They are found in all habitats on Earth. And if favorable conditions arise, the disputes immediately react to the environment and sprout, renewing active growth.

Examples of pathogenic bacilli

• Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax. It is related to the second pathogenicity group.
• Bacillus cereus - the causative agent of food toxic infections in the body in humans.
• Bordetella pertussis - is found in the lungs, causes pertussis.
• Kokha bacillus is the cause of tuberculosis infection and disease.
• Tetanus bacillus is the causative agent of tetanus.

But not all bacilli are malicious. Modern science has learned to use their positive qualities. Some bacilli are used in production as producers of proteinases and amylases. And the toxins they produce are used as insecticides to protect cultivated plants.