Showing papers on "Magnetotactic bacteria published in 2013"
TL;DR: This work demonstrates magnetic imaging of living cells (magnetotactic bacteria) under ambient laboratory conditions and with sub-cellular spatial resolution, using an optically detected magnetic field imaging array consisting of a nanometre-scale layer of nitrogen–vacancy colour centres implanted at the surface of a diamond chip.
Abstract: Magnetic imaging is a powerful tool for probing biological and physical systems. However, existing techniques either have poor spatial resolution compared to optical microscopy and are hence not generally applicable to imaging of sub-cellular structure (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] 1 ), or entail operating conditions that preclude application to living biological samples while providing sub-micron resolution (e.g., scanning superconducting quantum interference device [SQUID] microscopy 2 , electron holography 3 , and magnetic resonance force microscopy [MRFM] 4 ). Here we demonstrate magnetic imaging of living cells (magnetotactic bacteria) under ambient laboratory conditions and with sub-cellular spatial resolution (400 nm), using an optically-detected magnetic field imaging array consisting of a nanoscale layer of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) colour centres implanted at the surface of a diamond chip. With the bacteria placed on the diamond surface, we optically probe the NV quantum spin states and rapidly reconstruct images of the vector components of the magnetic field created by chains of magnetic nanoparticles (magnetosomes) produced in the bacteria, and spatially correlate these magnetic field maps with optical images acquired in the same apparatus. Wide-field sCMOS acquisition allows parallel optical and magnetic imaging of multiple cells in a population with sub-micron resolution and >100 micron field-of-view. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the bacteria confirm that the correlated optical and magnetic images can be used to locate and characterize the magnetosomes in each bacterium. The results provide a new capability
624 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of this review is focused on the diversity and the ecology of the MTB and also the evolution and transfer of the molecular determinants involved in magnetosome formation.
Abstract: SUMMARY Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are widespread, motile, diverse prokaryotes that biomineralize a unique organelle called the magnetosome. Magnetosomes consist of a nano-sized crystal of a magnetic iron mineral that is enveloped by a lipid bilayer membrane. In cells of almost all MTB, magnetosomes are organized as a well-ordered chain. The magnetosome chain causes the cell to behave like a motile, miniature compass needle where the cell aligns and swims parallel to magnetic field lines. MTB are found in almost all types of aquatic environments, where they can account for an important part of the bacterial biomass. The genes responsible for magnetosome biomineralization are organized as clusters in the genomes of MTB, in some as a magnetosome genomic island. The functions of a number of magnetosome genes and their associated proteins in magnetosome synthesis and construction of the magnetosome chain have now been elucidated. The origin of magnetotaxis appears to be monophyletic; that is, it developed in a common ancestor to all MTB, although horizontal gene transfer of magnetosome genes also appears to play a role in their distribution. The purpose of this review, based on recent progress in this field, is focused on the diversity and the ecology of the MTB and also the evolution and transfer of the molecular determinants involved in magnetosome formation.
328 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that magnetite forms through phase transformation from a highly disordered phosphate-rich ferric hydroxide phase, consistent with prokaryotic ferritins, via transient nanometric ferric (oxyhydr)oxide intermediates within the magnetosome organelle.
Abstract: The iron oxide mineral magnetite (Fe3O4) is produced by various organisms to exploit magnetic and mechanical properties. Magnetotactic bacteria have become one of the best model organisms for studying magnetite biomineralization, as their genomes are sequenced and tools are available for their genetic manipulation. However, the chemical route by which magnetite is formed intracellularly within the so-called magnetosomes has remained a matter of debate. Here we used X-ray absorption spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures and transmission electron microscopic imaging techniques to chemically characterize and spatially resolve the mechanism of biomineralization in those microorganisms. We show that magnetite forms through phase transformation from a highly disordered phosphate-rich ferric hydroxide phase, consistent with prokaryotic ferritins, via transient nanometric ferric (oxyhydr)oxide intermediates within the magnetosome organelle. This pathway remarkably resembles recent results on synthetic magnetite formation and bears a high similarity to suggested mineralization mechanisms in higher organisms.
123 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a review of the current efforts on in vitro synthesis of a variety of magnetic nanoparticles using bioinspired approaches by utilizing mineralization proteins from magnetotactic bacteria, and survey biomimetic strategies for the rational synthesis of various magnetic nanomaterials under ambient conditions.
Abstract: Magnetotactic bacteria, known to produce magnetic nanocrystals with uniform shapes and sizes at physiological conditions, serve as an inspiration and source of a number of biological macromolecules used for the biomimetic synthesis of a variety of magnetic nanomaterials. This review discusses the current state of understanding of magnetosome biomineralization in magnetotactic bacteria, as well as the ways in which iron biomineralization processes can be utilized for tailored in vivo formation of complex magnetic nanomaterials, not occurring in magnetotactic bacteria naturally. The review assesses the current efforts on in vitro synthesis of a variety of magnetic nanoparticles using bioinspired approaches by utilizing mineralization proteins from magnetotactic bacteria, and surveys biomimetic strategies for the rational synthesis of various magnetic nanomaterials under ambient conditions. Finally, this review presents magnetic characterization of nanoparticles, highlighting differences in magnetic behavior between magnetic nanoparticles produced using bioinspired in vivo and in vitro strategies, compared to those produced using conventional methods. This in turn impacts their utility in a wide range of applications for magnetic nanoparticles, which are examined in detail, where bioinspired synthesis methods have potentially provided added advantages.
123 citations
TL;DR: The structure of the magnetosome-associated protein MamP is presented and it is found that it is built on a unique arrangement of a self-plugged PDZ domain fused to two magnetochrome domains, defining a new class of c-type cytochrome exclusively found in magnetotactic bacteria.
Abstract: The magnetosome-associated protein mamP is an iron oxidase that reveals a unique arrangement of a self-plugged PDZ domain fused to two magnetochrome domains, defining a new class of c-type cytochrome exclusively found in magnetotactic bacteria. Magnetotactic bacteria use a specialized organelle known as the magnetosome, a biomineralized crystal of magnetite (Fe(II)Fe(III)2O4) or greigite (Fe(II)Fe(III)2S4), to sense and align along the Earth's magnetic field. This paper presents the X-ray crystal structure of the magnetosome-associated protein MamP, revealing a unique arrangement of a self-plugged PDZ domain fused to two magnetochrome domains. The authors also establish that MamP is an iron oxidase that contributes to the formation of iron(III) ferrihydrite, and is therefore important for mechanisms of iron management during magnetosome biogenesis. Magnetotactic bacteria align along the Earth’s magnetic field using an organelle called the magnetosome, a biomineralized magnetite (Fe(ii)Fe(iii)2O4) or greigite (Fe(ii)Fe(iii)2S4) crystal embedded in a lipid vesicle. Although the need for both iron(ii) and iron(iii) is clear, little is known about the biological mechanisms controlling their ratio1. Here we present the structure of the magnetosome-associated protein MamP and find that it is built on a unique arrangement of a self-plugged PDZ domain fused to two magnetochrome domains, defining a new class of c-type cytochrome exclusively found in magnetotactic bacteria. Mutational analysis, enzyme kinetics, co-crystallization with iron(ii) and an in vitro MamP-assisted magnetite production assay establish MamP as an iron oxidase that contributes to the formation of iron(iii) ferrihydrite eventually required for magnetite crystal growth in vivo. These results demonstrate the molecular mechanisms of iron management taking place inside the magnetosome and highlight the role of magnetochrome in iron biomineralization.
119 citations
TL;DR: Strain MC-1(T), a member of this group, was isolated from water collected from the oxic-anoxic interface of the Pettaquamscutt Estuary in Rhode Island, USA, and cultivated in axenic culture and has a single chain of magnetite crystals per cell.
Abstract: Magnetotactic bacteria are a morphologically, metabolically and phylogenetically disparate array of bacteria united by the ability to biomineralize membrane-encased, single-magnetic-domain mineral crystals (magnetosomes) that cause the cell to orientate along the Earth’s geomagnetic field. The most commonly observed type of magnetotactic bacteria is the ubiquitous magnetotactic cocci, which comprise their own phylogenetic group. Strain MC-1T, a member of this group, was isolated from water collected from the oxic–anoxic interface of the Pettaquamscutt Estuary in Rhode Island, USA, and cultivated in axenic culture. Cells of strain MC-1T are roughly spherical, with two sheathed bundles of flagella at a single pole (bilophotrichous). Strain MC-1T uses polar magnetotaxis, and has a single chain of magnetite crystals per cell. Cells grow chemolithoautotrophically with thiosulfate or sulfide as the electron donors, and chemo-organoheterotrophically on acetate. During autotrophic growth, strain MC-1T relies on the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle for CO2 fixation. The DNA G+C content is 54.2 mol%. The new genus and species Magnetococcus marinus gen. nov., sp. nov. are proposed to accommodate strain MC-1T ( = ATCC BAA-1437T = JCM 17883T), which is nominated as the type strain of Magnetococcus marinus. A new order (Magnetococcales ord. nov.) and family (Magnetococcaceae fam. nov.) are proposed for the reception of Magnetococcus and related magnetotactic cocci, which are provisionally included in the
Alphaproteobacteria
as the most basal known lineage of this class.
116 citations
TL;DR: The crystal growth kinetics resembles surprisingly observations of magnetite crystal formation in magnetotactic bacteria, and provides insight into which conditions could possibly prevail in the biomineralizing vesicle compartments of these bacteria.
Abstract: The room temperature co-precipitation of ferrous and ferric iron under alkaline conditions typically yields superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles below a size of 20 nm. We show that at pH = 9 this method can be tuned to grow larger particles with single stable domain magnetic (> 20–30 nm) or even multi-domain behavior (> 80 nm). The crystal growth kinetics resembles surprisingly observations of magnetite crystal formation in magnetotactic bacteria. The physicochemical parameters required for mineralization in these organisms are unknown, therefore this study provides insight into which conditions could possibly prevail in the biomineralizing vesicle compartments (magnetosomes) of these bacteria.
112 citations
TL;DR: The combination of magnetic and structural studies by means of Fe K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy has identified and quantified two phases of Fe involved in the biomineralization process, confirming the role of ferrihydrite as the source of Fe ions for magnetite biominalization in M. gryphiswaldense.
Abstract: Magnetotactic bacteria biosynthesize magnetite nanoparticles of high structural and chemical purity that allow them to orientate in the geomagnetic field. In this work we have followed the process of biomineralization of these magnetite nanoparticles. We have performed a time-resolved study on magnetotactic bacteria Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense strain MSR-1. From the combination of magnetic and structural studies by means of Fe K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy we have identified and quantified two phases of Fe (ferrihydrite and magnetite) involved in the biomineralization process, confirming the role of ferrihydrite as the source of Fe ions for magnetite biomineralization in M. gryphiswaldense. We have distinguished two steps in the biomineralization process: the first, in which Fe is accumulated in the form of ferrihydrite, and the second, in which the magnetite is rapidly biomineralized from ferrihydrite. Finally, the XANES anal...
107 citations
TL;DR: A comparative genomic analysis of magnetotactic Deltaproteobacteria that synthesize bullet-shaped crystals of magnetite and/or greigite is presented and it is demonstrated that the minimum set of mam genes necessary for magnetosome formation in Magnetospirillum is also conserved in magnetite-producing, magnetotactic DeltAProteob bacteria.
Abstract: Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) represent a group of diverse motile prokaryotes that biomineralize magnetosomes, the organelles responsible for magnetotaxis. Magnetosomes consist of intracellular, membrane-bounded, tens-of-nanometre-sized crystalsof the magnetic minerals magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4) and are usually organized as a chain within the cell acting like a compass needle. Most information regarding the biomineralization processes involved in magnetosome formation comes from studies involving Alphaproteobacteria species which biomineralize cuboctahedral and elongated prismatic crystals of magnetite. Many magnetosome genes, the mam genes, identified in these organisms are conserved in all known MTB. Here we present a comparative genomic analysis of magnetotactic Deltaproteobacteria that synthesize bullet-shaped crystals of magnetite and/or greigite. We show that in addition to mam genes, there is a conserved set of genes, designated mad genes, specific to the magnetotactic Deltaproteobacteria, some also being present in Candidatus Magnetobacterium bavaricum of the Nitrospirae phylum, but absent in the magnetotactic Alphaproteobacteria. Our results suggest that the number of genes associated with magnetotaxis in magnetotactic Deltaproteobacteria is larger than previously thought. We also demonstrate that the minimum set of mam genes necessary for magnetosome formation in Magnetospirillum is also conserved in magnetite-producing, magnetotactic Deltaproteobacteria. Some putative novel functions of mad genes are discussed.
100 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that a phylogenetic tree based on magnetosome protein amino acid sequences from a number of MTB was congruent with theTree based on the organisms' 16S rRNA gene sequences, which suggests that magnetotaxis originated monophyletically in the Proteobacteria phylum and implies that the common ancestor of all Proteoblacteria was magnetotactic.
Abstract: Summary
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), the transfer of genetic material other than by descent, is thought to have played significant roles in the evolution and distribution of genes in prokaryotes. These include those responsible for the ability of motile, aquatic magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) to align and swim along magnetic field lines and the biomineralization of magnetosomes that are responsible for this behaviour. There is some genomic evidence that HGT might be responsible for the distribution of magnetosome genes in different phylogenetic groups of bacteria. For example, in the genomes of a number of MTB, magnetosome genes are present as clusters within a larger structure known as the magnetosome genomic island surrounded by mobile elements such as insertion sequences and transposases as well as tRNA genes. Despite this, there is no strong direct proof of HGT between these organisms. Here we show that a phylogenetic tree based on magnetosome protein amino acid sequences from a number of MTB was congruent with the tree based on the organisms' 16S rRNA gene sequences. This shows that evolution and divergence of these proteins and the 16S rRNA gene occurred similarly. This suggests that magnetotaxis originated monophyletically in the Proteobacteria phylum and implies that the common ancestor of all Proteobacteria was magnetotactic.
98 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the correlations between magnetosome mineral habits and the phylogenetic affiliations of magnetotactic bacteria have been reviewed, and it is shown that these correlations have important implications for the evolution of magnetosomes synthesis, and thus magnetotaxis.
Abstract: Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) biomineralize magnetosomes, nano-scale crystals of magnetite or greigite in membrane enclosures, that comprise a permanent magnetic dipole in each cell MTB control the mineral composition, habit, size, and crystallographic orientation of the magnetosomes, as well as their arrangement within the cell Studies involving magnetosomes that contain mineral and biological phases require multidisciplinary efforts Here we use crystallographic, genomic and phylogenetic perspectives to review the correlations between magnetosome mineral habits and the phylogenetic affiliations of MTB, and show that these correlations have important implications for the evolution of magnetosome synthesis, and thus magnetotaxis
TL;DR: The toxicity and efficiency of magnetosomes need to be understood and the risk–benefit ratio with which to evaluate their use in the magnetic hyperthermia treatment of tumours needs to be measured.
Abstract: We review the most recent and significant results published in the field of magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), in particular data relating to the use of bacterial magnetosomes in magnetic hyperthermia for the treatment of tumours. We review different methods for cultivating MTB and preparing suspensions of bacterial magnetosomes. As well as the production of magnetosomes, we also review key data on the toxicity of the magnetosomes as well as their heating and anti-tumour efficiencies. The toxicity and efficiency of magnetosomes needs to be understood and the risk–benefit ratio with which to evaluate their use in the magnetic hyperthermia treatment of tumours needs to be measured.
TL;DR: The magnetic properties of pelagic carbonates have been studied for over 60 years as mentioned in this paper, but much remains undiscovered, and we are only at early stages of understanding how biogenic magnetite gives rise to paleomagnetic signals in sediments and whether it carries a poorly understood biogeochemical remanent magnetisation.
TL;DR: A model in which MamX, MamZ and MamH functionally interact to balance the redox state of iron within the magnetosome compartment is proposed.
Abstract: Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense uses intracellular chains of membrane-enveloped magnetite crystals, the magnetosomes, to navigate within magnetic fields. The biomineralization of magnetite nanocrystals requires several magnetosome-associated proteins, whose precise functions so far have remained mostly unknown. Here, we analysed the functions of MamX and the Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) proteins MamZ and MamH. Deletion of either the entire mamX gene or elimination of its putative haem c-binding magnetochrome domains, and deletion of either mamZ or its C-terminal ferric reductase-like component resulted in an identical phenotype. All mutants displayed WT-like magnetite crystals, flanked within the magnetosome chains by poorly crystalline flake-like particles partly consisting of haematite. Double deletions of both mamZ and its homologue mamH further impaired magnetite crystallization in an additive manner, indicating that the two MFS proteins have partially redundant functions. Deprivation of ΔmamX and ΔmamZ cells from nitrate, or additional loss of the respiratory nitrate reductase Nap from ΔmamX severely exacerbated the magnetosome defects and entirely inhibited the formation of regular crystals, suggesting that MamXZ and Nap have similar, but independent roles in redox control of biomineralization. We propose a model in which MamX, MamZ and MamH functionally interact to balance the redox state of iron within the magnetosome compartment.
TL;DR: The bacterial magnetosome is a unique prokaryotic organelle comprising magnetic mineral crystals surrounded by a phospholipid bilayer membrane surrounding magnetic crystals of magnetite or greigite, which cause cells of magnetotactic bacteria to passively align and swim along the Earth's magnetic field lines.
Abstract: The bacterial magnetosome is a unique prokaryotic organelle comprising magnetic mineral crystals surrounded by a phospholipid bilayer. These inclusions are biomineralized by the magnetotactic bacteria which are ubiquitous, aquatic, motile microorganisms. Magnetosomes cause cells of magnetotactic bacteria to passively align and swim along the Earth's magnetic field lines, as miniature motile compass needles. These specialized compartments consist of a phospholipid bilayer membrane surrounding magnetic crystals of magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4). The morphology of these membrane-bound crystals varies by species with a nominal magnetic domain size between 35 and 120 nm. Almost all magnetotactic bacteria arrange their magnetosomes in a chain within the cell there by maximizing the magnetic dipole moment of the cell. It is presumed that magnetotactic bacteria use magnetotaxis in conjunction with chemotaxis to locate and maintain an optimum position for growth and survival based on chemistry, redox and physiology in aquatic habitats with vertical chemical concentration and redox gradients. The biosynthesis of magnetosomes is a complex process that involves several distinct steps including cytoplasmic membrane modifications, iron uptake and transport, initiation of crystallization, crystal maturation and magnetosome chain formation. While many mechanistic details remain unresolved, magnetotactic bacteria appear to contain the genetic determinants for magnetosome biomineralization within their genomes in clusters of genes that make up what is referred to as the magnetosome gene island in some species. In addition, magnetosomes contain a unique set of proteins, not present in other cellular fractions, which control the biomineralization process. Through the development of genetic systems, proteomic and genomic work, and the use of molecular and biochemical tools, the functions of a number of magnetosome membrane proteins have been demonstrated and the molecular mechanism for the biomineralization of magnetosomes in these organisms is beginning to be revealed.
TL;DR: In this article, the magnetic properties of sediment cores from two basins (the North Central Baltic Proper and eastern Gotland Basin) that currently experience hypoxia and discovered the magnetic enhancement of older laminated sapropels.
TL;DR: In this article, it was shown that magnetotactic bacteria are microaerophilic to anaerobic organisms that live at and below the oxic-anoxic transition zone of aquatic environments.
Abstract: Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) produce chains of intracellular magnetite and/or greigite crystals and respond to an ambient magnetic field. MTB are considered to be microaerophilic to anaerobic organisms that live at and below the oxic-anoxic transition zone of aquatic environments. On the basis of rock magnetic analyses, including first-order reversal curve diagrams and isothermal remanent magnetization component analyses, along with transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrate that bacterial magnetites (magnetofossils) dominate magnetic mineral assemblages throughout a 76 m thickness of red clay at Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Site U1365 in the South Pacific Gyre, as well as in subsurface red clay of the North Pacific Gyre, where the sediment column contains abundant dissolved oxygen and no oxic-anoxic transition zone exists. This implies that MTB inhabit red clay; this conflicts with widespread interpretations of MTB ecology, namely that they are microaerophilic, requiring low levels of oxygen to grow and produce magnetite, and that magnetotaxis is used to help them find optimal positions in a strong vertical chemical gradient. Most magnetofossils in the red clay have cubo-octahedral morphology. This supports the notion that magnetofossil morphology can be a paleoenvironmental indicator; the proportion of elongated magnetofossils increases in less oxic environments. Our results also have implications for red-clay paleomagnetism in that magnetofossils may cause much-delayed remanence acquisition if MTB can live at decimeter depths within red clay.
TL;DR: The magnetosome chain is a rare example of protein- and lipid-bounded organelles in bacteria that are encoded by conserved gene clusters and lead to a specific function and is responsible for magnetotaxis in magnetotactic bacteria (MTB).
TL;DR: In this paper, a dipole spring mechanism in magnetosome chains is introduced to explain reversible humped low-temperature cycling (LTC) curves, which is a diagnostic indicator for intact magnetosomes.
Abstract: [1] Pelagic marine carbonates provide important records of past environmental change. We carried out detailed low-temperature magnetic measurements on biogenic magnetite-bearing sediments from the Southern Ocean (Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Holes 738B, 738C, 689D, and 690C) and on samples containing whole magnetotactic bacteria cells. We document a range of low-temperature magnetic properties, including reversible humped low-temperature cycling (LTC) curves. Different degrees of magnetite oxidation are considered to be responsible for the observed variable shapes of LTC curves. A dipole spring mechanism in magnetosome chains is introduced to explain reversible LTC curves. This dipole spring mechanism is proposed to result from the uniaxial anisotropy that originates from the chain arrangement of biogenic magnetite, similar to published results for uniaxial stable single domain (SD) particles. The dipole spring mechanism reversibly restores the remanence during warming in LTC measurements. This supports a previous idea that remanence of magnetosome chains is completely reversible during LTC experiments. We suggest that this magnetic fingerprint is a diagnostic indicator for intact magnetosome chains, although the presence of isolated uniaxial stable SD particles and magnetically interacting particles can complicate this test. Magnetic measurements through the Eocene section of ODP Hole 738B reveal an interval with distinct magnetic properties that we interpret to originate from less oxidized biogenic magnetite and enrichment of a biogenic “hard” component. Co-occurrence of these two magnetic fingerprints during the late Eocene in the Southern Ocean indicates less oxic conditions, probably due to increased oceanic primary productivity and organic carbon burial.
TL;DR: In this article, the angular variation of magnetic properties of aligned magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 cells, each of which contains one single fragmental chain of magnetosomes, was investigated.
Abstract: [1] Single-domain magnetite particles produced by magnetotactic bacteria (magnetosomes) and aligned in chains are of great interest in the biosciences and geosciences. Here, we investigated angular variation of magnetic properties of aligned Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 cells, each of which contains one single fragmental chain of magnetosomes. With measurements at increasing angles from the chain direction, we observed that (i) the hysteresis loop gradually changes from nearly rectangular to a ramp-like shape (e.g., Bc and remanence decrease), (ii) the acquisition and demagnetization curves of IRM shift toward higher fields (e.g., Bcr increases), and (iii) the FORC diagram shifts toward higher coercivity fields (e.g., Bc,FORC increases). For low-temperature results, compared to unoriented samples, the samples containing aligned chains have a much lower remanence loss of field-cooled (δFC) and zero-field-cooled (δZFC) remanence upon warming through the Verwey transition, higher δ-ratio (δ = δFC/δZFC) for the measurement parallel to the chain direction, and lower δ-ratio, larger δFC and δZFC values for the perpendicular measurement. Micromagnetic simulations confirm the experimental observations and reveal that the magnetization reversal of magnetosome chain appears to be noncoherent at low angles and coherent at high angles. The simulations also demonstrate that the angular dependence of magnetic properties is related to the dispersion degree of individual chains, indicating that effects of anisotropy need to be accounted for when using rock magnetism to identify magnetosomes or magnetofossils once they have been preserved in aligned chains. Additionally, this study experimentally demonstrates an empirical correspondence of the parameter Bc,FORC to Bcr rather than Bc, at least for magnetite chains with strong shape anisotropy. This suggests FORC analysis is a good discriminant of magnetofossils in sediments and rocks.
TL;DR: Analysis of the trajectories of cells exposed to an external magnetic field can be used to measure the average magnetic dipole moment of a cell population in at least five different ways, and methods relying on viscous relaxation of the cell orientation give results comparable to that obtained by magnetosome measurements.
Abstract: Magnetotactic bacteria possess organelles called magnetosomes that confer a magnetic moment on the cells, resulting in their partial alignment with external magnetic fields. Here we show that analysis of the trajectories of cells exposed to an external magnetic field can be used to measure the average magnetic dipole moment of a cell population in at least five different ways. We apply this analysis to movies of Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 cells, and compare the values of the magnetic moment obtained in this way to that obtained by direct measurements of magnetosome dimension from electron micrographs. We find that methods relying on the viscous relaxation of the cell orientation give results comparable to that obtained by magnetosome measurements, whereas methods relying on statistical mechanics assumptions give systematically lower values of the magnetic moment. Since the observed distribution of magnetic moments in the population is not sufficient to explain this discrepancy, our results suggest that non-thermal random noise is present in the system, implying that a magnetotactic bacterial population should not be considered as similar to a paramagnetic material.
TL;DR: This work has described an uncultured, moderately thermophilic magnetotactic bacterium present in hot springs in northern Nevada with a probable upper growth limit of about 63 °C; and several strains of obligately alkaliphilic MTB isolated in pure culture from different aquatic habitats in California, including the hypersaline, extremely alkaline Mono Lake, with an optimal growth pH of >9.0.
Abstract: Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) represent a diverse collection of motile prokaryotes that biomineralize intracellular, membrane-bounded, tens-of-nanometer-sized crystals of a magnetic mineral called magnetosomes. Magnetosome minerals consist of either magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4) and cause cells to align along the Earth’s geomagnetic field lines as they swim, a trait called magnetotaxis. MTB are known to mainly inhabit the oxic–anoxic interface (OAI) in water columns or sediments of aquatic habitats and it is currently thought that magnetosomes function as a means of making chemotaxis more efficient in locating and maintaining an optimal position for growth and survival at the OAI. Known cultured and uncultured MTB are phylogenetically associated with the Alpha-, Gamma- and Deltaproteobacteria classes of the phylum Proteobacteria, the Nitrospirae phylum and the candidate division OP3, part of the Planctomycetes-Verrucomicrobia-Chlamydiae (PVC) bacterial superphylum. MTB are generally thought to be ubiquitous in aquatic environments as they are cosmopolitan in distribution and have been found in every continent although for years MTB were thought to be restricted to habitats with pH values near neutral and at ambient temperature. Recently, however, moderate thermophilic and alkaliphilic MTB have been described including: an uncultured, moderately thermophilic magnetotactic bacterium present in hot springs in northern Nevada with a probable upper growth limit of about 63 °C; and several strains of obligately alkaliphilic MTB isolated in pure culture from different aquatic habitats in California, including the hypersaline, extremely alkaline Mono Lake, with an optimal growth pH of >9.0.
TL;DR: A high diversity of magnetotactic bacteria in a freshwater site is reported and some rod-shaped bacteria simultaneously synthesized greigite and magnetite magnetosomes.
Abstract: Knowledge of the diversity of magnetotactic bacteria in natural environments is crucial for understanding their contribution to various biological and geological processes. Here we report a high diversity of magnetotactic bacteria in a freshwater site. Ten out of 18 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were affiliated with the Deltaproteobacteria. Some rod-shaped bacteria simultaneously synthesized greigite and magnetite magnetosomes.
TL;DR: It was shown that adding a higher amount of Wolfe's vitamin solution (WVS) or ferric quinate (FQ) cause increase of the mean diameter from 47 nm (normal condition) up to 52 nm and 58 nm respectively.
Abstract: The magnetic properties and hyperthermia effect were studied in solution of magnetosomes obtained by changing conditions during biomineralization of magnetotactic bacteria Magnetospirillum sp.AMB-1. It was shown that adding a higher amount of Wolfe's vitamin solution (WVS) or ferric quinate (FQ) cause increase of the mean diameter from 47 nm (normal condition) up to 52 nm and 58 nm respectively. As a consequence of this change the preparation conditions coercivity and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) increased up to 20 Oe and 949 W/gFe for sample FQ, respectively. On the other hand the process of cultivation at the changed conditions markedly reduced the cultivation time. Also the isolated chains of magnetosome were shorter containing less amount of magnetosomes too.
16 Apr 2013
TL;DR: A new optimization algorithm, inspired by the characteristics of magnetotactic bacteria, which is researched on multimodal problems and has better performance than the other algorithms.
Abstract: Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) is a kind of polyphyletic group of prokaryotes with the characteristics of magnetotaxis that make them orient and swim along geomagnetic field lines. Magnetotactic bacteria is the optimized product of nature by long process of evolution. A new optimization algorithm called magnetotactic bacteria optimization algorithm (MBOA), which is inspired by the characteristics of magnetotactic bacteria is researched on multimodal problems in the paper. It is compared with classical genetic algorithm and some relatively new optimization algorithms. All of them are tested on 10 standard multimodal functions problems. The experiment results show that the proposed MBOA is effective in optimization problems and has better performance than the other algorithms.
TL;DR: The chain analysis program (CHAP) was used to evaluate the effects of the genetic and growth conditions on magnetosome chain formation, and data obtained were compared and correlated to data obtained from bulk magnetic measurements of wild-type (WT) and mutant cells displaying different chain configurations.
Abstract: Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) align along the Earth's magnetic field by the activity of intracellular magnetosomes, which are membrane-enveloped magnetite or greigite particles that are assembled into well-ordered chains. Formation of magnetosome chains was found to be controlled by a set of specific proteins in Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense and other MTB. However, the contribution of abiotic factors on magnetosome chain assembly has not been fully explored. Here, we first analyzed the effect of growth conditions on magnetosome chain formation in M. gryphiswaldense by electron microscopy. Whereas higher temperatures (30 to 35°C) and high oxygen concentrations caused increasingly disordered chains and smaller magnetite crystals, growth at 20°C and anoxic conditions resulted in long chains with mature cuboctahedron-shaped crystals. In order to analyze the magnetosome chain in electron microscopy data sets in a more quantitative and unbiased manner, we developed a computerized image analysis algorithm. The collected data comprised the cell dimensions and particle size and number as well as the intracellular position and extension of the magnetosome chain. The chain analysis program (CHAP) was used to evaluate the effects of the genetic and growth conditions on magnetosome chain formation. This was compared and correlated to data obtained from bulk magnetic measurements of wild-type (WT) and mutant cells displaying different chain configurations. These techniques were used to differentiate mutants due to magnetosome chain defects on a bulk scale.
TL;DR: The results show an adaptation of spherical MMPs to the peculiar intertidal sediment habitat, which showed a deeper distribution at more reduced environments than coccoid-shaped magnetotactic bacteria, and M MPs in lagoon sediments.
Abstract: A combination of microscopic, molecular and biogeochemical methods was used to study the structure, phylogenetics and vertical distribution of spherical multicellular magnetotactic prokaryotes (MMPs) of intertidal sediments in the Yellow Sea. These MMPs were 5.5m in diameter and composed of approximately 1530 cells. They synthesized bullet-shaped magnetites in chains or clusters. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences suggested that these MMPs represent a novel species affiliated to the Deltaproteobacteria. To study their vertical distribution and the relationship to geochemical parameters, sediment cores were collected after the redox potential was measured in situ. The sediments were composed of yellow, grey and black layers from the surface to depth. The spherical MMPs were concentrated near the grey-black layer transition at a depth of 812cm, while coccoid-shaped magnetotactic bacteria near the yellow-grey layer transition at a depth of 35cm. The intertidal MMPs showed a deeper distribution at more reduced environments than coccoid-shaped magnetotactic bacteria, and MMPs in lagoon sediments. Additionally the MMPs were concentrated significantly in layers with high proportion of fine sand and total organic carbon, rich in leachable iron but poor in nitrate. These results show an adaptation of spherical MMPs to the peculiar intertidal sediment habitat.
TL;DR: This study effectively led to the reconstruction of part of the magnetotactic apparatus in vivo through the use of FLIM-FRET to assess the interaction of MamK and MamJ, two magnetosome membrane associated proteins essential to the assembly of magnetosomes in a chain.
Abstract: Bacteria have recently revealed an unexpectedly complex level of intracellular organization. Magnetotactic bacteria represent a unique class of such organization through the presence of their magnetosome organelles, which are organized along the magnetosome filament. Although the role of individual magnetosomes-associated proteins has started to be unraveled, their interaction has not been addressed with current state-of-the-art optical microscopy techniques, effectively leaving models of the magnetotactic bacteria protein assembly arguable. Here we report on the use of FLIM-FRET to assess the interaction of MamK (actin-like protein) and MamJ, two magnetosome membrane associated proteins essential to the assembly of magnetosomes in a chain. We used a host organism (E. coli) to express eGFP_MamJ and MamK_mCherry, the latest expectedly forming a filament. We found that in the presence of MamK the fluorescence of eGFP_MamJ is distributed along the MamK filament. FRET analysis using the fluorescence lifetime ...
01 Nov 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the variability of the magnetic properties of surface sediments across eight Minnesota lake basins and found that the measured magnetic properties are controlled by the competing fluxes of allochthonous and autochthonsous magnetic particles, and differ according to location in the basin.
Abstract: We have investigated the variability of the magnetic properties of surface sediments across eight Minnesota lake basins. The measured magnetic properties are controlled by the competing fluxes of allochthonous and autochthonous magnetic particles, and differ according to location in the basin. Shoreline sediments are dominated by detrital magnetic particles, whereas littoral and profundal sediments are characterized by a combination of bacterial magnetosomes and detrital particles. The position of the oxic–anoxic interface, which may occur in the water or within the sediment column, controls the depth at which living magnetotactic bacteria occur, and determines the degree of preservation of their magnetosome chains in the surface sediment. The preservation potential of undisturbed chains is higher for bacterial magnetite formed at the top of the sediment column in the littoral area than for magnetosomes originating in the water column in the profundal area. Bacterial magnetite in the profundal facies will contain a higher proportion of chains collapsed during settlement through the water column to the lake bottom. This process increases the fraction of interacting magnetosomes, which in turn artificially lowers the ARM ratio (χ ARM /IRM), which ceases to be a reliable grain size indicator in the profundal environment. Our results indicate that a holistic approach to interpreting limnologically-derived paleoecological data should be employed. Specifically, a thorough understanding of evolving and interrelated factors such as basin morphology and limnologic conditions is crucial for a more confident interpretation of the sedimentary record in terms of environmental conditions at the time of sediment deposition.
TL;DR: New rock magnetic results for samples from the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum and carbon isotope excursion in cored sections at Ancora and Wilson Lake on the Atlantic Coastal Plain of New Jersey indicate the presence of predominantly isolated, near-equidimensional single-domain magnetic particles rather than the chain patterns observed in a cultured magnetotactic bacteria sample or magnetofossils in extracts.
Abstract: New rock magnetic results (thermal fluctuation tomography, high-resolution first-order reversal curves and low temperature measurements) for samples from the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum and carbon isotope excursion in cored sections at Ancora and Wilson Lake on the Atlantic Coastal Plain of New Jersey indicate the presence of predominantly isolated, near-equidimensional single-domain magnetic particles rather than the chain patterns observed in a cultured magnetotactic bacteria sample or magnetofossils in extracts. The various published results can be reconciled with the recognition that chain magnetosomes tend to be preferentially extracted in the magnetic separation process but, as we show, may represent only a small fraction of the overall magnetic assemblage that accounts for the greatly enhanced magnetization of the carbon isotope excursion sediment but whose origin is thus unclear.