How Do You Spell SHEWANELLA?

1. Shewanella is a genus of bacteria which belongs to the family Shewanellaceae. This group of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria is known for its wide distribution, being primarily found in aquatic environments such as marine and freshwater habitats. Shewanella species are facultative anaerobes, meaning they can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

   These bacteria possess unique features that distinguish them from other bacterial genera. One notable characteristic of Shewanella is its ability to respire using a variety of electron acceptors, including oxygen, nitrate, manganese, and other metal ions. This metabolic versatility allows Shewanella to adapt to different environmental conditions, playing a crucial role in biogeochemical cycling.

   Moreover, some Shewanella strains exhibit the ability to reduce solid metal oxides, using them as electron acceptors for energy production, a process commonly referred to as dissimilatory metal reduction. This feature highlights the ecological significance of Shewanella in the bioremediation of toxic metals and radioactive contaminants.

   In addition to their environmental importance, Shewanella species have garnered attention in scientific research due to their potential applications in various biotechnological processes. They have been explored for their ability to produce biofuels, degrade organic pollutants, and catalyze electron transfer reactions. Furthermore, Shewanella bacteria have been studied for their unique extracellular electron transfer mechanisms, which have implications in microbial fuel cells and other bioelectrochemical systems.

   Overall, Shewanella is a versatile and diverse bacterial genus that plays a crucial role in the cycling of essential nutrients and the remediation of environmental pollutants. Its metabolic capabilities and distinctive traits have made it a subject of interest in both environmental and biotechnological research.

Common Misspellings for SHEWANELLA

The word "Shewanella" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the combination of two elements: "Shewan" and "-ella".

The first part, "Shewan", honors the late Dr.ewan, who was a renowned bacteriologist from New Zealand. Dr. Shewan was known for his extensive work on the taxonomy and physiology of marine bacteria. Among his notable contributions was the discovery and description of various species of bacteria, including some that belong to the genus Shewanella. These bacteria were first isolated from marine environments, hence the connection to their initial discovery.

The second part, "-ella", is a common suffix used in microbiology to indicate a bacterial genus. It is derived from the Latin suffix "-ella", meaning "small" or "little".

So, the word "Shewanella" essentially means "small/Shewan-like bacteria" and pays tribute to Dr.