Multicellular Magnetotactic Bacteria: The Missing Link in Evolutionary History
All bacteria exist as single cells at some point in their lives – except for one kind, known as multicellular magnetotactic bacteria (MMB), that is.
Discovered in the sulfide-laden sediments of a tidal salt marsh in Massachusetts, MMBs have caught the attention of scientists for their unique characteristics that could provide insights into our evolutionary past.
Unlike other bacteria that can collaborate with each other when needed, MMBs take cooperation to a whole new level. Each individual cell in an MMB consortium is so interconnected that it cannot survive being separated from its ‘super-organism’ home.
The cells within an MMB consortium form a spherical shape with a hollow center, resembling a blastocyst – a stage in embryonic development that signifies the transition from single cells to a unified cluster.
While each cell in an MMB is an individual organism, recent studies have shown that they are not clones of each other. The diversity of genes within the consortium allows cells to perform different functions that benefit the whole, similar to organs in a body or members of a society with diverse skills and interests.
Research led by environmental microbiologist George Schaible from Montana State University has shed light on the metabolic diversity within MMB consortia. These bacteria survive on a mix of carbon and energy sources, showcasing a unique ability to utilize various resources for growth and sustenance.
The internal diversity of MMB consortia enables cells to engage in a division of labor, much like human communities. This cooperative strategy allows the consortium to adapt to the changing environment of a tidal salt marsh, harnessing different energy sources to thrive.
The fascinating characteristics of MMBs not only provide insights into the evolution of multicellular organisms but also offer a glimpse into the complex interplay of genes and metabolism within these unique bacterial communities.
This groundbreaking research was published in PLOS Biology, marking a significant milestone in our understanding of bacterial evolution and cooperative behavior.
