- The existence of ultra-small bacteria (aka “nanobacteria” or “nannobacteria”) has been debated for two decades, but there hasn’t been a comprehensive electron microscopy and DNA-based description of the microbes until now.
- They are about 200 nanometers (.2 micrometers) in width with a volume of only about 0.009 cubic nanomicrons (millionth of a meter). About 150 of these bacteria could fit inside an Escherichia coli bacteria cell.
- The diverse bacteria were found in groundwater and are thought to be quite common. This is the smallest a cell can be and still accommodate enough material to sustain life, the researchers say.
First Detailed Evidence of 'Nanobacteria' That is as Small as Life Can Get
3. 11. 15 by Alex Klokus