Malaika Nduku
I'm thrilled to share my findings on Photobacterium phosphoreum , an environmentally significant bacterium. This microorganism produces a breathtaking blue-green bioluminescence, reminiscent of a clear summer sky or a tranquil ocean. The color is calming, yet mesmerizing, evoking feelings of serenity and wonder.
This is the breathtaking blue-green bioluminescence.
This is how Photobacterium phosphoreum looks like on an agar plate
P. phosphoreum are rod-shaped, gram negative bacteria.
P. phosphoreum is a key component of the marine food web, serving as a food source for various marine organisms, helps break down organic matter, recycling nutrients and contributing to the marine carbon cycle. Its presence can indicate ecosystem health, as changes in its population can signal broader environmental issues.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting marine habitats and reducing pollution to preserve P. phosphoreum populations and maintain ecosystem balance.
Photobacterium phosphoreum was first isolated from the aquatic environment in the late 1880’s by the Dutch microbiologist Martinus Beijerinck (1851-1931).[7] It is a Gammaproteobacteria which are Gram-negative, usually motile rods, are mesophilic and chemoorganotrophic, have falcultative fermentative metabolism and are found in aquatic habitats in association with eukaryotes.[7]
Photobacterium phosphoreum is one of many organisms that produce bioluminescence in marine organisms.
Photobacterium species are Gram-negative coccobacilli which are distributed in marine habitats worldwide. Some species are unique because of they are capable of producing essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, antibacterial compounds, lipases, esterases and asparaginases. They are also used as biosensors in food and environmental monitoring and detectors of drown victim, as well as an important symbiont.
Published: Jun 24, 2020
Acknowledgement - https://www.explified.com
Photobacterium phosphoreum is a Gram-negative, bioluminescent bacterium living in symbiosis with deep-sea marine organisms, such as anglerfish. It can emit bluish-green light (490 nm) due to a chemical reaction between FMN, luciferin and molecular oxygen catalyzed by an enzyme called luciferase. This video will help you understand the meaning behind bioluminescence
Photobacterium spp. occur frequently in marine environments but have been recently also found as common spoilers on chilled meats. The environmental conditions in these ecological niches differ especially regarding salinity and ambient pressure.
