Pseudomonas citronellolis, SEM

Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Pseudomonas citronellolis, rod-shaped, motile, Gram-negative, petroleum degrading bacterium (prokaryote). Pseudomonas species have the ability to degrade a wide range of organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated derivatives, and recalcitrant organic residues. A large number of Pseudomonas strains, capable of degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, have been isolated from soil and aquifers. P. citronellolis metabolizes citronellol (an isoprenoid) and can also degrade the toxic hydrocarbon constituents present in oily sludge. Citronellol, citronellal and citronellyl acetate are among the main constituent of the essential oils of several plants, like citrus, citronella grass, roses, and lemon eucalyptus. Magnification: x3,400 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.