Using a poison-tipped spear, it strikes out and pierces its target.
Sounds like a warlord on the battleground, but that it actually how the bacteria cholera, formerly known as Vibrio cholera, strikes neighboring cells, according to a new study in the journal "Science."
Bacteria have a reputation for snatching DNA from other organisms and making that DNA part of their own genomes, according to Live Science, but cholera does it with a spike made of proteins.
Cholera feeds on chitin, the makeup of crustaceans' shells, which is why it is commonly found in water. The chitin sets off a "type VI secretion system," which creates the protein spike.
Once the target cell is impaled it releases other proteins that cause lysis, a process of dissolving cell membranes that triggers liberation of DNA. Cholera then makes away with the released DNA and absorbs it.
The protein spear sounds unusual and violent, but it is actually fairly common bacterium behavior, as is soaking up the DNA of another organism. The transfer of genetic material has helped bacteria adapt and survive, but this is the first time the type VI secretion system has been observed, according to Live Science.
Cholera is harmful when ingested and resides in the sick person's small intestine. It causes diarrhea which in turn causes dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance-- it can be deadly if untreated.
