Identified in a mangrove swamp, Thiomargarita magnifica is the shape and size of a human eyelash.
You're supposed to need a microscope to see bacteria, right? Not Thiomargarita magnifica.Now classified as the world's biggest bacterium,was discovered living on sunken, decaying mangrove tree leaves in the French Caribbean.
Fear not, the organism isn't dangerous and can't cause disease in humans. But do marvel at its proportions. "These bacteria are about 5,000 times larger than most bacteria. And to put things into perspective, it is the equivalent for us humans to encounter another human who would be as tall as Mount Everest," said Jean-Marie Volland from the Joint Genome Institute at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, in the US.is not the largest single-celled organism on Earth. That's probably a type of aquatic alga calledwhich is 10 times longer still.
One key finding from their investigations concerns the way the cell organises its interior. Bacteria would normally have their DNA floating freely in the liquid, or cytoplasm, that fills their bodies., on the other hand, stores its genetic material in compartments the researchers are calling pepins, from the French for fruit seeds.
It's a significant revelation because until now, the packing of DNA inside a membrane-bound compartment was considered the preserve of so-called eukaryotic cells, which are the building blocks of higher organisms such as humans, other animals and plants.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Live news updates: Eurozone consumer confidence falls to near-record low\n\t\t\tExpert insights, analysis and smart data help you cut through the noise to spot trends,\n\t\t\trisks and opportunities.\n\t\t\n\t\tJoin over 300,000 Finance professionals who already subscribe to the FT.
Read more »
You're the record holder if you can find the skis in this pic in under 28 secsYOU will be able to call yourself a record holder if you can find the pair of skis in this mind-bending brainteaser within 28 seconds. The winter sports equipment is hidden among a beach setting fe…
Read more »
Gigantic python nearly 18 feet long breaks records after being discovered in FloridaThe removal of female pythons plays a critical role in disrupting the breeding cycle of the apex predators that are wreaking havoc on the Everglades ecosystem and taking food sources from other native species.
Read more »
The £6 False Lashes The Love Islanders Are Wearing This YearThis year’s Love Island contestants have been spotted wearing these £6 Eylure fake eyelashes. Here’s everything you need to know.
Read more »