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Xenosome
A xenosome is a bacterium that lives in the body of some marine protozoans. It primarily refers to bacterial invaders of the cytoplasm of a single genus of marine scuticociliates. They are found in ciliates, sometimes with a methanogenic role inside anaerobic ciliates. In 1985, researcher John Corliss proposed to expand the definition of the term to include all DNA-containing, membrane-bounded bodies or organelles—prokaryotic or eukaryotic in original nature—found within the cytoplasm or cell nucleus, nucleus of eukaryotic cells of any or all kinds, regardless of whether the occupation was temporary or permanent. References Biological interactions Bacteria {{biology-stub ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Bacterium
Bacteria (; : bacterium) are ubiquitous, mostly free-living organisms often consisting of one biological cell. They constitute a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. Typically a few micrometres in length, bacteria were among the first life forms to appear on Earth, and are present in most of its habitats. Bacteria inhabit the air, soil, water, acidic hot springs, radioactive waste, and the deep biosphere of Earth's crust. Bacteria play a vital role in many stages of the nutrient cycle by recycling nutrients and the fixation of nitrogen from the atmosphere. The nutrient cycle includes the decomposition of dead bodies; bacteria are responsible for the putrefaction stage in this process. In the biological communities surrounding hydrothermal vents and cold seeps, extremophile bacteria provide the nutrients needed to sustain life by converting dissolved compounds, such as hydrogen sulphide and methane, to energy. Bacteria also live in mutualistic, commensal and ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
