Bacteria That Only Want To Head North

The video explores the fascinating behavior of magnetotactic bacteria, which move in response to Earth's magnetic field. Initially observed by James, these bacteria were found to swim north, influenced by magnets. The phenomenon was first described by Salvatore Bellini and later expanded by Richard Blakemore, who coined the term 'magnetotaxis.' These bacteria contain magnetosomes, organelles with magnetic crystals, allowing them to navigate magnetic fields. Their distribution varies by hemisphere, with northern bacteria moving north and southern bacteria moving south. The video delves into the mysteries of their behavior and the potential reasons behind their magnetic navigation.

What environmental conditions do magnetotactic bacteria prefer, and why is this important?

How do magnetotactic bacteria from the southern hemisphere behave differently from those in the northern hemisphere?

What are some of the mysteries surrounding magnetotactic bacteria that scientists are still trying to understand?