Magnetic bacteria


Collecting samples at Canning River, Perth, Australien
Magnetic bacteria
Some bacteria can use the earth's magnetic field for their orientation. Indeed these bacteria conatin little magnets. They are oriented by the magnetic field like a compass needle. Magnetic bacteria can easily be found in sediments, especially in the upper anoxic layers. Interestingly, they are moving towards the south pole at the southern hemisphere, while magnetoic bacteria from the northern hemisphere move preferentially to the north.

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