Magnetotactic bacteria

About Magnetotactic bacteria:

• These are mostly prokaryotic organisms that arrange themselves along the earth’s magnetic field.
• These are present in freshwater and marine habitats.
• These organisms were believed to follow the magnetic field to reach places that had optimal oxygen concentration.
• These bacteria contained “novel structured particles, rich in iron” in small sacs that essentially worked as a compass.
• These magnetotactic bacteria create tiny crystals made of the iron-rich minerals magnetite or greigite. The crystals help them navigate the changing oxygen levels in the water body they reside in.
• It is believed that these microbes may represent some of Earth's earliest inhabitants.

Highlights of the research

• Researchers are inspired by the similarities between the rock varnish in Ladakh and those observed on Mars by the Perseverance rover. 
• They identified elevated concentrations of oxidized manganese (Mn4+) and carboxylic acid functionalities on the varnish surface, suggesting the presence of organic signatures.
• These findings indicate that the magnetic minerals in the rock varnish are likely biotic in origin.
• Significance: By detecting biotic signatures in rock varnish, scientists can better focus on identifying biosignatures on Mars and other celestial bodies.
• This information is crucial for future space missions, including those planned by ISRO and other space agencies, aiming to explore Mars and assess its habitability.