Morphology Although Thiomargarita are closely related to Thioploca and Beggiatoa in function, their structures are different. Thioploca and Beggiatoa cells are much smaller and grow tightly stacked on each other in long filaments. Their shape is necessary for them to shuttle down into the ocean sediments to find more sulfide and nitrate. In contrast, Thiomargarita grow in rows of separate single spherical cells, so they lack the range of motility that Thioploca and Beggiota have. Thiomargarita can also grow in barrel-like shapes. The cocci shaped Thiomargarita can join together to create chains of 4-20 cells, while the bacillus shaped Thiomargarita can form chains of more than 50 cells. These chains are not linked together by filaments, but connected by a mucus sheath. Each cell appears reflective and white as a result of their sulfur content.
Morphology Although Thiomargarita are closely related to Thioploca and Beggiatoa in function their structures are different Thioploca and Beggiatoa cells are much smaller and grow tightly stacked on each other in long filaments Their shape is necessary for them to shuttle down into the ocean sediments to find more sulfide and nitrate In contrast Thiomargarita grow in rows of separate single spherical cells so they lack the range of motility that Thioploca !and Beggiota have Thiomargarit?a can also grow in barrel.-like shapes The cocci shaped Thiomargarita can join together to create chains of 4-20 cells while the bacillus shaped Thiomargarita can form chains of more than 50 cells These chains are not linked together by filaments but connected by a mucus sheath Ea?ch cell appears reflective and white as a re,sult of their sulfur content