Magnetosomes could be protective shields against metal stress in magnetotactic bacteria.

ABSTRACT: Magnetotactic bacteria are aquatic microorganisms with the ability to biomineralise membrane-enclosed magnetic nanoparticles, called magnetosomes. These magnetosomes are arranged into a chain that behaves as a magnetic compass, allowing the bacteria to align in and navigate along the Earth's magnetic field lines. According to the magneto-aerotactic hypothesis, the purpose of producing magnetosomes is to provide the bacteria with a more efficient movement within the stratified water column, in search of the optimal positions that satisfy their nutritional requirements. However, magnetosomes could have other physiological roles, as proposed in this work. Here we analyse the role of magnetosomes in the tolerance of Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1 to transition metals (Co, Mn, Ni, Zn, C

SUBMITTER: Munoz D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7351786 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature