Posted on 06/25/2022 5:46:14 AM PDT by BenLurkin
Scientists have discovered the world's largest known bacteria, reaching up to one centimetre (0.4-inches) in length.
The species, called Thiomargarita magnifica, was discovered on sunken leaves in the waters of a mangrove swamp in Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean.
It appears as thin white filaments like vermicelli pasta, and contains microscopic sulphur granules that scatter light, giving it a pearly gleam.
T. magnifica is a sulphur-oxidising prokaryote, meaning it derives energy from the oxidation of sulphur compounds.
Large sulphur bacteria have been shown to be hot spots for symbionts – an organism living in symbiosis with another.
Another species in the Thiomargarita genus, Thiomargarita namibiensis, was previously the largest known bacterium.
T. namibiensis, found in the ocean sediments of the continental shelf of Namibia, is said to reach up to 0.75 mm (0.03-inches).
As for why T. magnifica is so large, the researchers aren't so sure. Bu it's thought unlikely that T. magnifica represents the upper limit of bacterial cell size.
The researchers hope cultivating the bacteria in the lab as a way to learn more about the species.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
What could possibly go wrong?! The Blob comes to mind...
In my best Mr. Spock voice, “Fascinating.”
Fauci is ON IT — trying to figure out how to get those big goobers into a syringe.
Giant bacteria? Basically a description of the dim party leadership and their followers.
Yep they’ll be telling us we need a shot any time now.
Might be the new caviar. Could fry some up, or maybe add it to a dip with some Ruffles..
From the article: “As for why T. magnifica is so large, the researchers aren’t so sure. Bu it’s thought unlikely that T. magnifica represents the upper limit of bacterial cell size.”
Unlikely. Haha. Well, at least there’s some chance of being able to tell if one is trying to sneak up on you.
“T. magnifica is a sulphur-oxidising prokaryote, meaning it derives energy from the oxidation of sulphur compounds.”
It’s a PRO karyote, not an AMATEUR karyote.
Its,the amateur ones ya gotta watch out for,because they know just enough to be dangerous, but not enough to control,their skills professionally
LOCKDOWN!!!! Red alert!!
LOL! Indeed.
Pretty fascinating, all joking aside. Those mangrove swamps are really interesting places. It seems like science dudes are always finding new, surprising things in them.
No Bleach?
do they degrade plastic?
Bill said “Put some ice on it!”
Th3y ingest it, but then they swell up and fart more, contributing to global warming.
“T. magnifica”
It was nice of them to name it after President In Exile Trump! ;)
Looks more like a tape worm.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/backroom/4073447/posts
https://www.britannica.com/place/Soufriere-volcano-Guadeloupe
Thanks BenLurkin.
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