Bacteria VI
Keywords
X-Y: 6mm
Z: 500nm, 2nm
life science
SPM
bacteria
coccus
biofilm
microorganisms
Courtesy of Dr. Eddie W. Ong, Center for Solid State Science (Arizona State University); and
Ms. Pushpa Ramakrishna, Biology Department (Chandler-Gilbert Community College).
BACT3L.jpg (42 K)
BACT3R.jpg (122 K)

The image on the left shows clusters of a coccus bacterium, known as Sarcina Lutea, deposited on a mica substrate.  Note the large number of organisms that can fit in such a small area. 

The image on the right is related to that on the left, obtained using the AFM under the deflection mode.  Lateral features in the image is enhanced.  Note the texture of the bacterium's cell wall.  These are difficulty to see using an optical microscope.

What shape does a coccus bacterium assume?
What advantages does this shape offer the organism?

More information can be found in the Biofilms: What is that in your Dogdish module on this site.

This image was taken using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM).  The shading of this image represents the height of objects (white is highest).