Birds, people, plants, and microscopic organisms need to know where they are as well as where they want to be. Birds migrate each year and know which way is south, and plants detect the sun so they can angle their leaves properly. People consult a map or GPS to figure out where they are.
Magnetotactic bacteria orients itself along magnetic field lines, whether from a nearby magnet or the Earth’s magnetic field. It’s like having a built-in internal compass.
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No unfortunately not – you need a special microscope to see these!
Can you see Magnetic Bacteria under the microscope you have at home?
Scientists haven’t found a use for this effect, instead it’s being studies so we can learn more about our environment and its inhabitants.
Hi Aurora
How did the magnetic crystals even get into the bacteria? Is there a way it could be useful?