What are spirillae?

Spirillae are helical, rigid bacteria that often have flagella with which they can actively move. Their spiral shape distinguishes them from other bacteria such as cocci or bacilli. Spirillae are gram-negative, which means that they have a thin cell wall and an outer membrane that makes them appear pink in the Gram stain.

Properties of spirillae

• Shape: They have a rigid, spiral shape that resembles a corkscrew.
• Mobility: Most spirillae have flagella that enable them to move actively through liquids.
• Habitats: They are often found in bodies of water, moist soil or animal organisms.

Examples of spirillae

• Spirillum volutans: One of the largest known spirilla species, which occurs in standing water and produces polyphosphate inclusions as nutrient stores.
• Aquaspirillum spp.: These bacteria live in freshwater habitats and contribute to nutrient circulation in aquatic ecosystems.
• Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum: A fascinating bacterium that contains magnetic particles and utilises magnetic fields for orientation in water bodies.

Importance of spirillae

• Ecological role: Spirillae contribute to nutrient cycling and support the decomposition of organic matter in water bodies.
• Scientific research: The study of spirillae such as Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum has provided important insights into magnetotaxis and microbial behaviour.
• Indicator organisms: Spirillae can provide information on the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Challenges

While many spirillae are harmless or even beneficial, some species can become potentially problematic under certain conditions:

• Limited pathogenicity: Unlike other groups of bacteria, most spirillae are not significant pathogens.
• Sensitive living conditions: Some spirillae require specific environmental conditions to survive, making them difficult to study.

Conclusion

Spirillae are fascinating bacteria that impress with their shape, movement and role in nature. They make important contributions to ecological processes and scientific research, while at the same time providing insights into the diversity of the microbial world. The study of spirillae is not only exciting, but also helps to expand our knowledge of bacteria and their functions.

If you want to learn more about spirillae and other bacteria, let me know! Share this post to spread the knowledge about these unique microorganisms.