Bacteria Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Bacteria - Essay Example Once there they physically change. They become smaller in size and lose their flagella and begin to give off a natural glow. There are a number of interesting aspects to this particular bacterium, which includes, symbiotic living, a special relationship with certain species of cephalopods, animals that can actually glow in the dark, and preserving nature’s polluted waters. Again this bacterium is often found inside and one fish and certain species of cephalopods, like octopus and squid (OBrien). However, they are not harmful once inside of another species, in fact, the relationship is actually quite beneficial for both species. The Vibrio fischeri rely on the fish for a protective environment and the bacteria create a very special reaction that is incredibly beneficial to the aquatic species. There are five genes then when active and through the process of oxidation takes place in the system of certain species it causes the host animal to literally glow in the dark (Maiden). Despite how unusual and strange that may sound it is absolutely true. In truth 90% of most fish and sea life carry some amount of these bacteria in their systems or on their bodies, however, some creatures glow brighter than others (Widder).However, it is these bacteria that have been attributed to instances when processing of fish products have on occasion resulted in slightly glowing fish sticks (Maiden).However, one species in particular is the prime example of this phenomena the bobtail-squid, native to the waters of Hawaii, have colonies of these bacteria living on their undersides. Because the squid possesses an organ, called the light organ, which is a unique structure similar to the make-up of an eye, possessing both an iris and a lens, yet it allows the squid to produce a glowing light. To predators looking up at the squid it appears to be