ScienceAugust 17, 2026
magnetosomes
mag-NEE-tuh-sohmz
Definition
Small, membrane-enclosed organelles found in certain bacteria that contain magnetic crystals and function like a tiny internal compass.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'magnetis' (stone from Magnesia) and 'soma' (body), identifying these structures as 'magnetic bodies' within a cell.
In the news
In this article, magnetosomes allow the Magnetospirillum magneticum bacteria to orient themselves and be steered or retrieved by external magnetic fields, making them effective 'living microrobots' for removing microplastics.
Czech Scientists Create Living Microrobot Swarms That Trap Microplastics
Read the full article ↗Intelligent Living