| Deep sea bacteria (blue) on the surface
(yellow) of annelid worms (Alvinella sp.). These bacteria are chemosynthetic,
which means that they produce energy from chemicals instead of from
sunlight. They use sulphide compounds in the water produced from
deep sea hot water vents. The bacteria may be a source of food for the Alvinella
sp. worms. In addition, they may remove chemicals from the water, thus making
the environment more hospitable for the worms. These bacteria usually live
in temperatures of between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius, but can withstand up
to 105 degrees Celsius. Magnification unknown. Credit: Mona Lisa Production
/ Photo Researchers, Inc. |
False color TEM of the sulfur eating bacteria, Thiocystis sp. Bacteria that
use chemicals such as sulfur to convert to energy are known as chemolithotrophs.
Thiocystis lives in an anaerobic (oxygen free) environment. It is spherical
or oval shaped, with a polar flagellum that is used for movement. Some bacteria
seen here, with two cells, are in the process of cell division. Thiocystis
stores sulfur in granules within its cell. It belongs to the group of "purple
sulfur bacteria" that are found in anaerobic zones of lakes and sulfur
springs, and which develop a purple color.
Credit: Alfred Pasieka / Photo Researchers, Inc. |
