Planomicrobium stackebrandtii facts for kids

Planomicrobium stackebrandtii is a tiny living thing, a type of species of bacteria. It was given its name to honor a German microbiologist (a scientist who studies tiny life forms) named Erko Stackebrandt. This bacterium belongs to a larger group of bacteria called Firmicutes.

Scientists first found Planomicrobium stackebrandtii in 2005 in the Himalayas, which are very tall mountains. It is known as a gram-positive bacterium, which means it shows up as purple when a special test called a Gram stain is done. This helps scientists identify it.

About Planomicrobium stackebrandtii

What it Looks Like

The cells of Planomicrobium stackebrandtii are shaped like tiny balls. Scientists call these shapes cocci. They often appear in pairs or small groups, like little clumps of beads.

How it Lives

This bacterium needs oxygen to live and grow. It gets its energy through a process called aerobic respiration. This is similar to how humans breathe oxygen to get energy. Planomicrobium stackebrandtii does not form endospores. Endospores are tough, protective shells that some bacteria make to survive harsh conditions. This means Planomicrobium stackebrandtii is not as good at surviving very difficult environments.

How it Moves

To move around, Planomicrobium stackebrandtii has one or two tiny whip-like tails. These tails are called flagella (one is a flagellum). They help the bacterium swim through liquids.