Paenibacillus amylolyticus, SEM

Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Paenibacillus amylolyticus is a Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, endospore-forming bacterium, originally included within the genus Bacillus and then reclassified as a separate genus in 1993. P. amylolyticus produces an extracellular enzyme, pectinase, which has been found in fungi but rarely in bacteria. This enzyme has potential for use in studies on plant tissue maceration, natural fibre de-gumming and fruit juice wastewater treatment. P. amylolyticus is an endophytic bacterium (one that is found on plant tissue but does not harm the plant) and may be useful for enhancing plant characteristics, such as increased drought tolerance. Some Paenibacillus species also produce antimicrobial substances that affect a wide spectrum of micro-organisms such as fungi, soil bacteria, plant pathogenic bacteria. Magnification: x2,400 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.