Elementary bodies

Definition

Elementary bodies are the infectious form of certain intracellular bacteria, notably Chlamydia. They are metabolically inactive and capable of surviving outside a host cell until they invade a new one.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Elementary bodies are the extracellular infectious form of Chlamydia.
2. They are smaller in size compared to reticulate bodies, measuring about 0.3 μm.
3. They transform into reticulate bodies once inside the host cell.
4. Elementary bodies have a rigid outer membrane that protects them outside the host cell.
5. They play a critical role in the transmission and infection process for Chlamydia.

Related terms

Reticulate Bodies: The non-infectious, metabolically active form of Chlamydia that replicates inside host cells.

Chlamydia:

A genus of pathogenic bacteria that can cause various infections in humans and animals.

Intracellular Bacteria: Bacteria that can live and replicate within the cells of a host organism.