Myxobacteria
Myxobacteria
Myxobacteria (pronunciation: mix-o-bac-te-ria) are a group of bacteria that aggregate together to form multicellular, complex structures known as fruiting bodies. They are known for their ability to move in coordinated swarms, change their shape, and produce a variety of biologically active compounds.
Etymology
The term "Myxobacteria" is derived from the Greek words "myxa", meaning mucus, and "bacterium", meaning small rod. This refers to the slimy nature of the colonies formed by these bacteria.
Characteristics
Myxobacteria are Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that are found in soil and dung. They are known for their unique social behavior, as they can aggregate to form complex, multicellular structures when nutrients are scarce. This behavior is regulated by extracellular signals and is a form of cooperative behavior rarely seen in bacteria.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of myxobacteria involves two distinct phases: the vegetative phase and the fruiting phase. In the vegetative phase, the bacteria move and feed individually. When nutrients become scarce, they enter the fruiting phase, where they aggregate to form fruiting bodies. Inside these structures, some cells differentiate into myxospores, which are resistant to environmental stresses.
Related Terms
- Fruiting body: A structure formed by myxobacteria during their life cycle, which contains myxospores.
- Myxospore: A type of spore that is resistant to environmental stresses, formed by myxobacteria inside fruiting bodies.
- Gram-negative bacteria: A group of bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method of bacterial differentiation.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Myxobacteria
- Wikipedia's article - Myxobacteria
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