Biggest bacterium ever discovered amazes scientists with its complexity

Live Science ^ | Nicoletta Lanese

[BenLurkin]

Scientists discovered an absolutely massive bacterium that can be seen without the aid of a microscope and lurks among the mangroves of Grande-Terre in the Caribbean...

The single-celled organism can grow up to 0.78 inches (2 centimeters) long and resembles a thin string, according to a report describing the discovery, posted Feb. 18 to the preprint database bioRxiv. The bacterium carries all its DNA inside a membranous pouch, unlike most bacteria, whose genetic material floats, unbound, within their cells. This feature not only sets the newfound microbe apart from other bacteria, but also distinguishes it from other prokaryotes — a group of organisms with very small, simple cell structures. The group includes organisms found in the Bacteria and Archaea domains.

In contrast to prokaryotes, eukaryotes, such as animals, plants and fungi, have more complex cells that contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. The newfound, enormous micobe toes the line between prokaryote and eukaryote in that it carries its DNA in a membrane-bound pouch, and it also carries a second, large pouch full of water, which takes up more than 70% of the cell's total volume, Science reported.

[moehoward]

“I’ve seen better heads on boils.” /pee wee

[Yardstick]

The bacterium carries all its DNA inside a membranous pouch, unlike most bacteria, whose genetic material floats, unbound, within their cells.
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Sounds like this bacterium has got its act together.

I like the cut of this bacterium’s jib.

[EinNYC]

Not the most charismatic of critters, though. My favorite single-celled life form will remain Acetabularia

My favorite protist has always been Stentor. Such a pretty color!

[ifinnegan]

Pretty cool.

I’m not sure why they didn’t present ribosomal phylogeny.

[faithhopecharity]

The blob that ate Newark, New Jersey ?

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

Oh they found Stacey Abrams!!

[gundog]

I used to have an aquarium full of Stentor and hydras that’s piggybacked in on some plants from a local lake.

How are the lizards?

[Adder]

We don’t have to wear masks again, do we?

[Getready]

Thiomargarita namibiensis is 0.75 mm WIDE, whereas the reported bacteria’s size in your link is reported in terms of it’s length. Both can be seen with the unaided eye. I wonder if they calculated the volume of either to compare sizes. See largest,org for big bacteria list.

[Getready]

Largest.org.

[martin_fierro]

The scientific team is

[Brooklyn Attitude]

“The newfound, enormous micobe toes the line between prokaryote and eukaryote in that it carries its DNA in a membrane-bound pouch,...”

It’s called a nucleus.

[Doctor Congo]

“I’m not sure why they didn’t present ribosomal phylogeny.”

I heard a heated discussion about that very thing down at the laundromat. This new giant bacterium with the DNA sack is going to start a lot of fights.

[NautiNurse]

Mmmmmm...tastes like pasta.

[GaltAdonis]

Here is the thing next to a dime -

[EinNYC]

I used to have an aquarium full of Stentor and hydras that’s piggybacked in on some plants from a local lake. How are the lizards?

Lizards are fine. Have to get to the petstore to renew my supply of lizard snax, i.e. crickets.

[BiteYourSelf]

Miniature grabboids?🤔

[Texan5]

“You’d better watch out for the eggplant that ate Chicago”...

But this one looks like spaghetti or fideo/vermicelli...

[John O]

I’ve been inactive for a while and am so glad to see that the Freepers did not let me down. LOL

[Gamecock]

Scientist hard at work.