The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter F

Bacillus megaterium

Habitat:

 

Bacillus megaterium is a bacterium that lives in the soil.

 

Importance:

 

It is very important in the biotechnology industry.  Bacillus megaterium is used to produce synthetic penicillin and other chemicals that are used in medicine. 

Bacillus megaterium, like other soil bacteria, is important because it is involved in the breakdown of dead plant and animal material.  By degrading this material, the bacteria returns the nutrients to the environment so that they can be used by other living things.

 

Classification:

 

Bacillus megaterium is a rod-shaped bacterium that stickS together to form chains.  It has a thick cell wall.  It can also produce spores that enable it to survive harsh environmental conditions (high temperatures, drying, lack of nutrients). 

 

Size:

 

Bacillus megaterium is about 1 mm wide and 5 mm long.