Clonothrix

/kloʊˈnɑθrɪks/ noun

Definition

A genus of bacteria (filamentous iron bacteria) that forms sheath-like structures and is found in iron-rich waters.

Etymology

From Greek klonos 'branch' + thrix 'hair,' named for the branching, hair-like filamentous appearance of the bacterial colonies.

Kelly Says

Clonothrix is one of nature's iron-moving microbes—it essentially 'rusts' the iron in water and builds sheaths from the oxidized iron, creating these delicate, lacy structures under a microscope!

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