Microorganism balls

2003/04/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Mikrobiologia

In the coastal mud of the North Sea of Germany three different types of microorganisms have been observed forming balls. These ball shaped structures are, according to researchers at the University of Oldenburg, one of the most complex structures composed of microorganisms.

The balls are formed by cyanobacteria, algae and diatoms. They are grouped into precise orders and locations and maintain a symbiotic relationship. Some cyanobacteria capture nitrogen from the air and diatoms produce food through the energy of the Sun, among them feed bacteria that in turn help create and maintain the structure.