Among the microbes that are very widespread in nature, this bacterium also belongs. The hay stick was described in 1835. The microorganism received this name from the fact that it was originally isolated from quail hay. In a laboratory, in a sealed container, hay was boiled in a liquid, then two or three days were insisted. After this, a colony of Bacillus Subtilis was formed. So began a detailed study of this common bacterium.
The study
In science, there is such a term - “model organism”. When representatives of nature are selected for intensive study of processes, properties, for conducting scientific experiments. A vivid example is the ciliates-shoe, which is familiar to us from the lessons of biology.
Hay stick is also a model organism. Thanks to her, the formation of spores in bacilli has been thoroughly studied. She is a model of understanding the mechanism of flagella in bacteria, played a role in the study of molecular genetics.
Scientists conducted experiments on the cultivation of Bacillus Subtilis in conditions close to zero gravity, studying the change in population genomes. And these microorganisms are used in studies of the influence of ultraviolet radiation from space, adaptive abilities of living organisms to it. Using the example of hay bacillus, they study the possibility of bacteria living in the conditions of other planets of the solar system (today more and more attention is being paid to Mars).
Brief characteristics
The bacteria of hay bacillus have a straight and elongated shape, blunt rounded endings, usually colorless. The average diameter is 0.6 microns, and the length varies - 3-8 microns. With these parameters, the hay stick under the microscope can be perfectly viewed and even photographed using modern technology. The bacillus is motile thanks to its flagella. They grow on the surface of the cell, and this can be seen in the pictures.
Habitat
Hay stick is traditionally referred to as soil microbes. It then falls on the leaves of plants, on fruits, vegetables. Moreover, it is found in dust of air, in the aquatic environment. And even a segment of the intestinal microflora in animals and humans. It develops at temperatures from +5 to +45 degrees Celsius (optimally - in the region of 30).
Hay stick. Breeding
Like other bacteria, it multiplies by simple cell division (longitudinal). New organisms formed as a result of such bisection often remain interconnected by a thread. Such compounds are easily distinguishable in photographs.
Bacillus subtilis belongs to spore-forming microorganisms. This allows you to survive in the event of adverse conditions for life. The spore formation of bacilli begins as follows: the cell content acquires a grain structure. Some of the grains, often in the central part, begins to grow, covered with a hard shell. At the same time, the shell of the original cell is destroyed. The process in the finale is completed by drawing into the external environment a characteristic debate. After division, any of the cells retains its ability to form spores, most of which are round or oval. They are quite resistant to external factors and temperature increase - for example, withstand heating above 100 degrees Celsius. It is characteristic that the bacterium that developed from spores is immobile, and the ability to move appears only in subsequent generations of the microorganism.
How does a hay stick eat
This bacterium is referred to as saprophytes, it feeds on dead organics. Being a heterotroph, hay bacillus cannot synthesize substances necessary for its nutrition from inorganics. Therefore, it uses organics that have been produced by other organisms. From it, it extracts the carbon necessary for energy exchange.
Polysaccharides of the origin of plants (starch) and animals (glycogen) serve as the main source of nutrition. The process produces amino acids, vitamins, various enzymes and antibiotics through synthesis.
Interaction with other microorganisms
This bacillus is able to suppress the development of conditionally pathogenic and pathogenic microbes: salmonella and streptococcus, staphylococcus and other "pests". For example, many generations of predators have developed a reflex for the use of certain plant species. And this method not only gives the body vitamins, but also contributes to the fact that Bacillus Subtilis spores get there, which can destroy pathogenic varieties of microflora, while increasing immunity.
And this bacillus can serve as food for the protozoa. For example, the beginning of the food chain may look like this: hay stick - ciliates-slipper - a certain type of mollusk - fish - people.
Pathogenicity
According to various classifications, this bacillus is not pathogenic for both humans and animals. She participates in the process of digesting food, breaks down proteins with carbohydrates, fights against pathogens of the intestines, skin of mammals. The researchers found that among the bacteria that are, for example, in the wounds of people, there is always a hay stick. It produces enzymes that destroy dead tissue, as well as antibiotics that inhibit pathogenic microflora, have a mild effect as an anti-allergic medicine. Proven by science: this bacterium also inhibits the development of pathogens during surgical interventions.
But, by the way, the negative effect of this bacillus is also noted: it can cause an allergy, expressed in a rash on the body; sometimes causes food poisoning after eating foods spoiled by the vital activity of this microorganism; can cause severe eye infections in humans.