Sporosarcina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sporosarcina |
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Sporosarcina
Kluyver and van Niel 1936 emend. Yoon et al. 2001
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Sporosarcina is a type of bacteria. These tiny living things are so small you need a microscope to see them! They are found all over the world in different places.
What is Sporosarcina?
Sporosarcina is a group of bacteria. Scientists group living things into categories. A "genus" is one of these categories. Think of it like a family name for different types of bacteria.
How They Look and Move
The individual cells of Sporosarcina can have two main shapes. Some are shaped like a rod, which is long and thin. Others are shaped like a bowl, which scientists call "coccoid."
Most types of Sporosarcina can move around. This means they are "motile." They can swim or glide to new locations. This helps them find food and better places to live.
How They Get Energy
All species of Sporosarcina use oxygen to get their energy. This process is called "aerobic respiration." It's similar to how humans breathe oxygen to power their bodies. They take in oxygen and use it to break down food.
Some types of Sporosarcina have a special chemical called urease. This enzyme helps them break down a substance called urea. Urea is found in the waste products of animals.
Where They Live
One well-known type, called S. ureae, is very common in soil. You can often find it in places where farm animals like cattle live. These bacteria play a role in the natural cycles of the environment. They help recycle nutrients in the soil.
