Articles tagged with Prokaryotes
Researchers discovered that bacteriophages play a critical role in distributing nutrients, promoting microbial diversity, and supporting gut health by releasing vitamin B12. The study found that phage infection is necessary for B12 release, and the nutrient specifically drives growth in dependent microbes.
A comprehensive survey of the Great Barrier Reef's microbiome reveals over 800,000 microbial genomes, identifying 500 new bacterial species and 300,000 distinct viruses. The study provides insights into the impact of human activities on the reef's health.
Researchers identify previously unknown microbe living in close partnership with another organism inside stromatolites, providing insights into how complex life began. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of eukaryotes and the emergence of mitochondria.
A collaboration of bacteria, including Sporosarcina pasteurii and Chroococcidiopsis, produces natural cement-like materials that can turn Martian regolith into solid concrete. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize construction on Mars and provide benefits for habitat integrity and life-support systems.
Researchers at Arizona State University discovered two new forms of bacterial movement: swashing and shifting strategies. Bacteria can move across moist surfaces using currents created by fermentation, while other types use the type 9 secretion system to glide across surfaces.
Researchers discovered that sulfur bacteria from the Desulfobacteraceae family work together like a team to break down diverse organic compounds. By analyzing six strains, they found similar molecular strategies and a highly energy-efficient central metabolism pathway, enabling them to thrive in oxygen-free environments.
Researchers have discovered two previously unknown bacterial species in deep-sea corals from the Gulf of Mexico. These bacteria have extremely reduced genomes and lack the ability to break down carbohydrates, surviving on amino acids instead. The discovery provides insights into the unique adaptations of deep-sea organisms.
A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.
The study reveals that rod shapes are crucial for effective swimming, enabling microbes to navigate their environments efficiently. Advanced microscopy visualized the behavior of proteins inside the cell, confirming the importance of specific proteins in shifting cell shape.
Researchers detail structure and mechanism of short Argonaute protein, sparking hopes for therapeutic applications. The discovery may lead to engineering proteins that can detect threats or trigger cell death in healthy cells.
A new study reveals that different species of bacteria colonize specific areas on diatoms, reflecting their metabolic properties. The findings provide insight into the complex interactions between algae and bacteria in marine environments.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered the 3D structure of TnpB, a protein involved in genome editing and a probable precursor to the CRISPR-Cas12 enzyme. The study reveals how TnpB recognizes and cuts DNA using a unique pseudoknot shape similar to that found in guide RNAs of Cas12 enzymes.
Researchers uncovered distinct DNA methylation profiles in ocean microbes, shedding light on population dynamics and interactions. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding pathogenicity and developing new approaches to monitoring environmental health.
Researchers uncover five new types of microfossils in the Gunflint Formation, including colonial, ellipsoidal, and spinous forms. These discoveries suggest that prokaryotes began diversifying their functions before the emergence of eukaryotes, providing insights into the evolution of life on Earth.
A new study suggests that climate change is displacing cold-water communities of algae with warm-adapted ones, threatening to destabilize the delicate marine food web. The research found a clear boundary between these communities at moderate water temperatures, highlighting the vulnerability of polar ecosystems.
Scientists have found a link between mutation rate and genome size in prokaryotes, with higher mutation rates associated with faster gene loss and smaller genomes. The study challenges the current idea that population size is the main factor driving genome reduction in prokaryotes.
In prokaryotes, a chromosome-encoded Par protein generates a pulling force for asymmetric DNA segregation. The discovery suggests that basic eukaryotic mitosis elements evolved before multicellular organisms emerged.
Scientists have discovered microcompartments in bacteria that challenge the long-held assumption of their simplicity, revealing a more complex organization than previously thought. The study provides the first structures of these protein shells and sheds light on their function, sparking potential biotechnology applications.
Researchers suggest that life emerged from chemical reactions in deep ocean environments, challenging traditional views of cell evolution. The theory proposes that inorganic iron sulphide cells were the first to form and eventually gave rise to living cells.