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Other Unique Bacteria

Other Unique Bacteria

Magnetic bacteria exhibit a directed movement called magnetotaxis, driven by structures called magnetosomes. These magnetosomes consist of chains of magnetic particles made of either magnetite (Fe₃O₄) or greigite (Fe₃S₄) and are organized in a linear conformation by a protein scaffold within invaginations of the cell membrane. The bacteria align along the north–south magnetic field lines, much like a compass needle. They are typically microaerophilic or anaerobic and are commonly found near the...

Magnetism

Magnetism

Magnets are commonly found in everyday objects, such as toys, hangers, elevators, doorbells, and computer devices. Experimentation on these magnets shows that all magnets have two poles: one is labeled north (N) and the other south (S). Magnetic poles repel if they are alike and attract if unlike. Moreover, both poles of a magnet attract unmagnetized pieces of iron.
An individual magnetic pole cannot be isolated. No matter how small, every piece of a magnet contains a north pole and a south...

Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles

Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles

Microbial activity plays a pivotal role in the biogeochemical cycling of iron and manganese, especially at the redox gradients characteristic of stratified aquatic environments. These cycles are driven by microbial transformations between oxidized and reduced forms of the metals, allowing organisms to exploit them for metabolic energy and structural purposes.Iron Cycling Across Redox GradientsIn neutral, oxygen-rich surface waters, iron is predominantly found in its oxidized, insoluble ferric...

Diamagnetism

Diamagnetism

Materials consisting of paired electrons have zero net magnetic moments. However, when these materials are placed under an external magnetic field, the moments opposite to the field are induced. Such materials are called diamagnets. Diamagnetism is the response of the diamagnets when placed in an external magnetic field.
Diamagnetism was discovered by Anton Brugmans in 1778 when he observed that bismuth gets repelled by magnetic fields, thus theorizing that diamagnets get repelled by magnets.

Cell Inclusions

Cell Inclusions

Prokaryotic cells possess a variety of inclusions that play crucial roles in nutrient storage, metabolic processes, and environmental adaptation. These structures enable bacteria to thrive under fluctuating environmental conditions by storing essential resources and optimizing their metabolic efficiency.Carbon Storage: Poly-β-Hydroxybutyric Acid and Glycogen GranulesBacteria frequently store excess carbon in specialized granules. Poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid (PHB) granules are lipid polymers that...

Applications Of NMR In Biology

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Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a very valuable analytical technique for researchers. It has been used for more than 50 years as an analytical tool. F. Bloch and E. Purcell formulated NMR in 1946 and won the 1952 Nobel Prize in Physics for their work. Biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and organic molecules including pharmaceutical compounds, can be studied using this versatile tool that exploits the magnetic properties of certain nuclei.
The...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Growing Magnetotactic Bacteria of the Genus Magnetospirillum: Strains MSR-1, AMB-1 and MS-1

Growing Magnetotactic Bacteria of the Genus Magnetospirillum: Strains MSR-1, AMB-1 and MS-1

Published on: October 17, 2018

Magnetotactic bacteria, magnetosomes and their application.

Lei Yan¹, Shuang Zhang, Peng Chen

¹College of Life Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University-HLBU, Daqing 163319, PR China. hekouyanlei@gmail.com

Microbiological Research

|May 15, 2012

Summary

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) possess unique intracellular magnetic crystals called magnetosomes. These bacteria and their magnetosomes have significant applications in various scientific fields.

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Growing Magnetotactic Bacteria of the Genus Magnetospirillum: Strains MSR-1, AMB-1 and MS-1

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Published on: October 17, 2018

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Purification of the M. magneticum Strain AMB-1 Magnetosome Associated Protein MamAΔ41

Purification of the M. magneticum Strain AMB-1 Magnetosome Associated Protein MamAΔ41

Published on: March 25, 2010

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Biomineralization
Geomagnetism

Background:

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are microorganisms that exhibit directed movement along Earth's magnetic field lines.
This navigation is facilitated by intracellular organelles known as magnetosomes, which contain magnetic iron mineral crystals organized in chains.
These unique properties make MTB of significant interest across multiple scientific disciplines.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a comprehensive overview of magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) and their magnetosomes.
To detail the formation processes of magnetosomes within MTB.
To explore the magnetic properties and diverse applications of MTB and their biomineralized crystals.

Main Methods:

Review of general characteristics of MTB.
Analysis of magnetosome formation and structure.
Investigation of magnetic properties of MTB and bacterial magnetosomes.
Exploration of existing and potential applications.

Main Results:

MTB possess intracellular magnetic crystals (magnetosomes) enabling geomagnetic navigation.
Magnetosome formation involves a complex biomineralization process.
Bacterial magnetites have diverse applications in paleomagnetism, environmental magnetism, and biomedical sciences.

Conclusions:

Magnetotactic bacteria and their magnetosomes represent a fascinating intersection of biology and magnetism.
Understanding magnetosome formation offers insights into biomineralization.
The unique properties of bacterial magnetites present numerous opportunities for technological and scientific advancements.