Bacteria VIII
Keywords
X-Y: 3.5mm
Z: 1mm, 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).
BACT4L.jpg (56 K)
BACT4R.jpg (98 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 the one on the left, obtained using the AFM under deflection mode.  The lateral features on this image is enhanced.  Note the texture on the bacterial cellwall.

How many organisms are there in this image?
What is the average size of these organisms?

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).