Planomicrobium koreense facts for kids

Planomicrobium koreense is a tiny living thing called a species of bacteria. It was first discovered in 2001 by a scientist named Jung-Hoon Yoon. He found it in a special Korean food called Jeotgal. Jeotgal is a type of salted, fermented food, similar to how some cheeses or yogurts are made.

What is Planomicrobium koreense?

Planomicrobium koreense is a type of bacteria. Bacteria are very small, single-celled organisms that can be found almost everywhere on Earth. Some bacteria can make us sick, but many are helpful, like those used to make food or that live in our bodies.

Where Was This Bacterium Found?

This specific bacterium was first found in Jeotgal. Jeotgal is a traditional Korean food. It's made by salting and fermenting different kinds of seafood, like fish or shellfish. This process helps preserve the food and gives it a unique flavor.

What Does Planomicrobium koreense Look Like?

The cells of Planomicrobium koreense are usually shaped like tiny rods. Imagine a very small, thin cylinder. Sometimes, when they are very young, they might start out looking more like tiny balls, which scientists call "coccoid." But as they grow, they change into their usual rod shape.

Gram Staining: A Way to Identify Bacteria

Scientists use a special test called "Gram staining" to help identify bacteria. Planomicrobium koreense is usually "gram-positive." This means its cell wall, which is like the outer skin of the bacterium, stains purple when this test is done. Sometimes, older cells of Planomicrobium koreense can change and appear "gram negative," meaning they stain pink or red instead. This change happens as the cells get older.

How Does Planomicrobium koreense Move?

Planomicrobium koreense has a special part that helps it move around. It has a single "flagellum." A flagellum is like a tiny whip or a propeller attached to one end of the bacterium. It spins around, helping the bacterium swim through liquids.