Kingdom+Eubacteria

=//Clostridium tetani//=

//Clostridium tetani.// (2008). [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://jennieleebiodiversitywiki.wikispaces.com/Kingdom+Eubacteria


 * Latin Name: **
 * //Clostridium tetani//**

Kingdom: Eubacteria Phylum: Firmicutes Class: Clostridia Order: Clostridiales Family: Clostridiaceae Genus: //Clostrium// Species: //Clostridium tetani//

Firmicutes have cocci or rod-shaped forms. They all form endospodes, which is when dormant cells of bacteria form a thick cell wall around the genetic material. During times of stress and harsh environmental factors, the original outer layer disintegrates, and the inner cell wall keeps the genetic material intact.
 * Description of Phylum: **

The //Clostridium tetani// causes twitching of muscle fibres due to a disease of motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. The twitching can be so severe and powerful that bones may break. This disease is called tetanus.
 * Introduction to Species: **

Charles, B. (1809). //Opisthotonus// [Painting]. Retrieved from [] Painting by Charles Bell in the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh

This species is rod-shaped, single-celled, and has no membrane-bound organelles.
 * Morphological Features: **

The //Clostridium tetani// is anaerobic - that is, it does not require oxygen to survive. Formant cells of this species are resistant to heat and harmful chemicals. The toxin that is produced by this bacteria when in contact with damaged or dead tissue is what causes tetanus. The toxin is called tetanospasmin. This toxin travels through the blood and nerves to the brain and spinal cord. It interferes with nerve messages and signals that go to and from the brain, resulting in what appears to be spasms. This species reproduces asexually through binary fission.
 * Anatomical/Physiological Features: **

//Clostridium tetani// is found in soil and animal intestinal tracts. It enters the body through open sores and wounds.
 * Where Does It Live? **

//TopYaps Tetanus.// (2010). [Photograph]. Retrieved from []

A Japanese scientist named Shibasabuo Kitasato showed the speed of the bacteria to move in the body of an animal by injecting the bacteria in the tip of the tail of a mouse. He cut the entire tail off thirty minutes later, but the mouse still died due to the spreading of the bacteria throughout the body. Antitoxins are prescribed to those showing symptoms of tetanus. They prevent the formation of new toxins, although they do not lessen the toxicity of the toxins that are already released. This antitoxin is called tetanus immune globulin.
 * Intersting Facts: **

//Clostridium tetani.// (2009). [Photograph]. Retrieved from []

YouTube Video about tetanus in a dog: [] media type="youtube" key="Fh7rJh3oTCk?fs=1" height="385" width="640"


 * References: **

Encyclopædia Britannica//.// (2010). //Clostridium.// Retrieved from []

 Encyclopædia Britannica Online School Edition//.// (2010). //Clostridium.// Retrieved from []

Unrein B. (2008). //Clostridium tetani//. Retrieved from []