Smell, Bacteria, Smell

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can produce some of the most intense smells known to man. Lucky for them, they cannot smell their own creations, or can they? Scientist conducted several studies, and recently discovered that two species of soil bacteria can in fact sense smell. The two species thrive in areas with a high concentrations of ammonia since “ammonia is the simplest nitrogen source needed for them to grow” as stated by Reindert Nijland. When the ammonia gas was exposed to the species of bacteria, they migrated themselves closer inferring that they were able to smell the gas. Scientist has already proven bacteria to have three of the five senses (touch, sight, and taste) and possibly smell will soon be added onto this list. Now that they know some forms of bacteria can smell, they still have yet to find the bacterial nose where their smelling takes place.

Smell was a sense that was only believed to be found among complex organisms. Now that bacteria as well as other one-celled organisms are capable of smell it can open the doors to many opportunities and discoveries for scientists. Bacteria was a species thought never to evolve since they lack complexity, but researchers are opening the eyes of people that yes in fact any living thing has the opportunity for change.

Now that we know certain forms of bacteria can smell it can eventually help us detect areas that have ammonia, a substance that can be harmful to organisms if congested or inhaled too often. This new knowledge will help prevent major poisoning activities from taking place. Although only two species of bacteria have been found with this sense, it is only a matter of time before others begin to show the same signs of evolution.

SOURCE: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/08/100818-science-health-bacteria-noses-smell-evolution/