The term microbiology often implies the study of microscopic organisms that require a microscope to see, but humans can view some microbes with the naked eye. Generations of scientists puzzled over these giant bacteria, wondering how they reproduce, generate energy, and maintain such a large size.

In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers collected enough specimens to sequence for the first time the genome of the giant bacterium Epulopiscium viviparus.

After collecting bacteria off the coast of Australia, the team used genomics and transcriptomics to interrogate the metabolic and biosynthetic properties of E. viviparus, generating a high-quality 3.28 megabase near-complete genome. To gain further insight into genome function, they conducted RNA sequencing analyses of E. viviparus at different life stages, creating a holistic view of the bacterium’s dynamic metabolism as it ages.

Using their newfound knowledge about E. viviparus metabolic processes, the researchers are excited to conduct follow-up studies, such as testing different nutrient sources to optimize the bacterium’s growth. The team’s ultimate goal is to grow these giant microbes in a laboratory setting. If scientists can figure out how to keep these microbes alive in laboratory conditions, they can finally test big, lingering questions about how these organisms evolved, what unique protein-protein interactions occur throughout their life cycle, and the molecular chemistry that eluded preexisting theories of bacterial energy production.

The purpose of the microbiology laboratory is to study the morphological structure, classification and evolution of microorganisms and other professional disciplines of life activities, and to provide support for disease diagnosis, drug development, food safety, industrial fermentation, medical hygiene, disease control, inspection and quarantine, and environmental protection. Biologix provides a series of scientific research consumables for basic research and disease control, inspection and quarantine for microbiology. Its delicate design and precise positioning have been successfully recognized by users!

Petri Dishes

• Made of medical grade polystyrene

• Highly transparent for microscopic analysis

• Three sizes available: 60mm, 90mm or 150mm in diameter

• 66-1701 fit automatic systems

• Vented lid for better gas exchange

• Dishes are stackable

• EO Sterile

Inoculating Loops & Needles

• Made of medical grade polystyrene

• Loops available in 1µL and 10µL sizes

• The opposite end of each loop can be used as a needle

• Needles are suitable for removal of single-colony specimens

• Gamma radiation sterilized, non-pyrogenic

• Packaged in resealable bags

Cell Spreaders 

• Made of medical grade polystyrene

• Smooth surface quality and angled end reduce the risk of damaging the culture medium

• L-shape allows application on the entire Culture Dish or plate surface

• Two package options: individually wrapped (sterile), or 10 per bag (sterile, resealable)

• Gamma radiation sterilized

• DNase & RNase free, Non-pyrogenic

Article cited from TheScientist