They discover the largest bacteria in the world and it turns out that it can be seen with the naked eye

bacteria They are usually defined as unicellular and microscopic organisms whose genetic material resides freely in the cytoplasm, without any surrounding compartments. However, a group of scientists from University of the French Antilles discovered a new bacterium that contradicts two of these conditions. On the one hand, because their DNA is encapsulated inside membrane structures. And, on the other hand, because it is so large that it can be seen with the naked eye.

The bacterium in question, named Magnificent Tiomargaritewas discovered five years ago in mangroves Caribbean archipelago Guadeloupe. However, it was originally assumed that this mushrooms. Needed a graduate student by name Jean-Marie Folland began examining the samples to finally discover that it was a bacterium.

So the dividing line eukaryotic cellsamong which are ours, prokaryotesrepresented mainly by bacteria, there are much more diffuse. And the fact is that in biology classifications are very useful, but they should not be considered something final, since they can change depending on scientific knowledge. This is a great example of this.

These are the largest bacteria in the world.

When the scientists University of the French Antilles found the largest bacterium in the world, it was found to form filamentous structures attached to leaves mangroves.

It was found that each individual cell can reach measure centimeter, so to the naked eye everything looked normal. This, of course, led them to believe that it was not a bacterium. They settled on the fungus, but they really lost all interest, and the samples were almost abandoned until Volland became interested in them.

He then found that it met most of the requirements to be considered a bacterium. In fact, it had quite a lot in common with what was then considered the world’s largest bacterium: thiomargarita namibiensis. Both sulfur-oxidizing bacteriaWith filamentous structure and much larger than usual in this type of organism. But the one they studied was much larger, so he removed her from her position and therefore took her last name fabulous.

Another common point between these two bacteria is exactly the reason why they are so big: large vacuole. And the fact is that this membrane structure, which contains its genetic material, is not its only organelle. They also have this webbed sac which allows them to use energy much better than other prokaryotic organisms.

Bacteria are thought to be so small because otherwise they would not be able to distribute nutrients within themselves.

However, this bacterium can afford a lot of work thanks to the vacuole, which is located inside, occupying most of the volume. If we put a huge balloon in the Olympic pool, occupying almost the entire interior of it, then the water will be limited by the edges and the paint will be much easier to move from one side to the other.

The two largest bacteria in the world have such a vacuole. And the truth is, it would be almost selfish to think that they are the only ones. Just because a person hasn’t found more at the moment doesn’t mean they don’t exist. In a statement by another study author, Petra Ann Levin, explained that in the team they consider it likely that there are more. Perhaps a bacterium even larger than this is visible to the naked eye and that is why it has gone completely unnoticed. Isn’t nature fascinating?