Magnetospirillum

Magnetospirillum is a genus of bacteria that are known for their unique ability to orient themselves along the Earth's magnetic field, a phenomenon known as magnetotaxis. This genus belongs to the family Rhodospirillaceae in the class Alphaproteobacteria.

Characteristics

Magnetospirillum species are Gram-negative, spiral-shaped, and motile due to the presence of polar flagella. They are typically found in freshwater and sediment environments. The most well-known species in this genus is Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum.

Magnetotaxis

Magnetospirillum bacteria are capable of magnetotaxis, which is the ability to align themselves along magnetic field lines. This is achieved through the presence of magnetosomes, which are intracellular organelles containing magnetic iron minerals. These magnetosomes are arranged in a chain-like manner, allowing the bacteria to behave like a compass needle and orient themselves in the Earth's magnetic field.

Applications

The unique properties of Magnetospirillum have led to their use in various applications. For instance, their magnetosomes have been used in the field of biotechnology for drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and hyperthermia treatment for cancer.

See also

• Magnetotactic bacteria
• Magnetosome
• Magnetotaxis