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Do Bacteria Fly?

Published in Microbial Movement 1 min read

Yes, bacteria can "fly" in the sense that they can travel long distances through the air.

How Bacteria Travel Through the Air

While bacteria don't have wings, they can become airborne and travel significant distances. This phenomenon is becoming more understood thanks to new research.

  • "Air Bridge" Theory: A recent study has proposed an "air bridge" theory. This theory suggests that bacteria can travel thousands of miles through the air without relying on humans or animals for transport.
  • Independent Travel: This research indicates bacteria aren't just passively carried; they can actively be airborne.
  • Implications: The ability of bacteria to travel long distances through the air may explain how harmful bacteria share common antibiotic resistance genes across different locations.

Table Summarizing Bacterial Air Travel

Aspect Description
Method of Travel Airborne
Distance Thousands of miles
Independence Independent of human and animal transport
Significance May explain the spread of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria in different geographical regions

Conclusion

Therefore, the answer is yes, bacteria can "fly" through the air, travel long distances, and their airborne movement contributes to the spread of genes.