Significance of Bacterium
In Theravada, a bacterium is defined as a microscopic organism composed of numerous kalapas. These tiny entities are so small that they can only be seen with the aid of a powerful microscope. This perspective emphasizes the intricate and often unseen nature of bacteria, highlighting their complexity and the advanced tools required for observation.
Synonyms: Germ, Microorganism, Infectious agent
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bacterium'
In Buddhism, Bacterium symbolizes the intricate nature of existence, illustrating that even the smallest life forms are composed of countless kalapas, emphasizing the interconnectedness and impermanence of all beings within the universe.
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) A microscopic organism that is made up of countless kalapas and can only be visualized under a powerful microscope.[1]
The concept of Bacterium in scientific sources
Bacterium is defined as a single-celled microorganism with a core genome that contains acquired genes from mobile genetic elements, highlighting its genetic diversity and adaptability through integration events like transposons and plasmids.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is a single-celled microorganism, and the bacterial core genome is interspersed with groups of acquired genes-mostly originated from integration events of mobile genetic elements, such as insertion sequences, transposons, phages, and plasmids.[2]