See Also: sheathed bacteria(encyclopedia)
sheathed(dictionary)
Sheathed(medicine)
sheathed artery(medicine)
Bacteria(health)
bacteria(dictionary)
Bacteria(medicine)
bacteria(encyclopedia)
lysogenic bacteria(medicine)
magnetotactic bacteria(medicine)

sheathed bacteria (sh)




Group of bacteria found widely in nature in slow-running water.

Many species are attached to underwater surfaces. They are characterized by a threadlike, branching arrangement of cells enclosed in a sheath. The sheaths of some are variously encrusted with iron or manganese oxides, depending on the water. One of the best-known is a common species, Sphaerotilus natans; in polluted water it has thin, colourless sheaths, and in unpolluted water containing iron it has yellow-brown, iron-encrusted sheaths that often grow into long slimy tassels.