Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum Bacteria as a Prey for Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus Bacteria.

Abstract

Transportation of magnetosomes (biogenic magnetic nanocrystals) from Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum (MS-1) bacteria by Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus (109 J) was the major concern of this project. Microaerophillic Gram-negative M. magnetotacticum bacteria are capable of biomineralization in which nanometer scale magnetite crystals are synthesized. These nanoparticles are magnetic in nature and provide the advantage of geo-magnetotaxis to these bacteria or in other words in orienting along earth?s magnetic poles. On the other hand, B. bacteriovorus are obligately aerobic Gram-negative bacteria capable of preying upon other Gram-negative bacteria. Combining traditional microbiology tools and modern technology of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), the interaction between these two organisms was studied. Thus far, using the AFM we have been able to image the nanometer scale magnetosomes and some interaction between these two species has been observed. Hence, the research so far indicates strong possibilities of predation of these magnetic bacteria by B. bacteriovorus .