A genus of rod-shaped, anaerobic bacteria that can form protective spores; includes species that cause serious diseases like tetanus and botulism.
Scientific Latin from Greek 'kloster' (spindle) and Latin '-idium' (small). Named by Prazmowski in 1880 for the spindle-like appearance of the cells.
Clostridium botulinum produces the most potent toxin known—one gram could theoretically kill millions of people—yet scientists harnessed it to create one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world, showing science's dual nature.
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