The ocean teems with networks of interconnected bacteria
Recent research shows that Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus bacteria are interconnected through nanotubes, facilitating nutrient exchange and indicating a complex network of cooperation, challenging the view of isolated bacteria.
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Recent research has revealed that the ocean's most abundant photosynthetic bacteria, Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, are interconnected through structures known as bacterial nanotubes. These tiny bridges facilitate nutrient and resource exchange among cells, suggesting a complex network of communication and cooperation previously unrecognized. The discovery was made by a team at the University of Córdoba, who observed these nanotubes under various imaging techniques, confirming their physiological significance. This finding challenges the traditional view of bacteria as isolated entities, highlighting their potential for collaboration in nutrient sharing, especially given their small genomes that limit their ability to produce all necessary metabolites independently. The study indicates that these interconnected networks may enhance survival in the turbulent ocean environment, allowing for efficient nutrient transfer that is not susceptible to dilution or loss. The implications of this research extend to our understanding of microbial ecology, suggesting that cooperation among bacteria is more prevalent than previously thought.
- Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus bacteria are interconnected via bacterial nanotubes.
- These nanotubes facilitate nutrient exchange, indicating a complex network of communication.
- The discovery challenges the notion of bacteria as isolated organisms.
- Small genomes of these bacteria necessitate cooperation for survival.
- The findings suggest that bacterial cooperation is common in various environments, including the ocean.
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9 commentsIs there or has anyone explored a connection between this process and the endosymbiolsis that first created chlorplasts?
Those involved captured cynanobacteria. In the OP, if I understand correctly, at least sometimes the cyanobacteria is doing the capturing.
Oh wait, my mistake. That's a universe teeming with networks of interconnected fungi.
You can see how easy it would be to make the mistake though, right?
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The Ocean Teems with Networks of Interconnected Bacteria
Recent research shows that Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus bacteria are interconnected through nanotubes, facilitating nutrient exchange and cooperation, challenging the view of bacteria as isolated organisms in the ocean.
The Ocean Teems with Networks of Interconnected Bacteria
Recent research shows that Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus bacteria are interconnected through nanotubes, facilitating nutrient exchange and indicating cooperative behavior, reshaping our understanding of microbial interactions in ocean ecosystems.
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