Magnetospirillum bacteria do not need compasses because they never get lost. These bacteria function like compass needles and always point to the poles. In this way, they automatically swim North or South to find the perfect location in deep and dark waters.
To function like a compass, Magnetospirillum bacteria store iron crystals inside their cells. These align into perfect chains that provide the bacteria with a magnetic dipole within a magnetic field. When the chains align with the Earth’s magnetic field lines, the bacteria do the same. Hence, these so-called magneto-tactic bacteria always point to the North or South poles.
Magnetotactic bacteria have magnetosomes with which they can sense magnetic field lines. This allows magnetotactic bacteria to swim towards North or South to find the perfect location in the deep and dark water.
Microbes and bacteria touch every aspect of our lives. They have so many superpowers that impact the environment, food production, bioremediation and even the climate. Here, we will look at 20 of the most fascinating bacterial superpowers and tell you where you might encounter them throughout your day. But don’t forget, there are plenty more.
