Researchers have found a brand-new type of bacteria in the ocean, called Pontimicrobium SW4. This tiny organism, found in the West Sea of Korea, has some pretty special talents. It can break down complex sugars, which is a big deal for the health of our oceans.
Think of it like this: Pontimicrobium SW4 is a microscopic cleaner. It gobbles up complicated carbohydrates, helping to recycle carbon in the marine environment. The bacteria are rod-shaped and move around by gliding. They like specific conditions – a certain temperature, how acidic or basic the water is (pH), and how salty it is. Scientists looked closely at its DNA and found it has lots of tools (enzymes) to break down those sugars.
But that's not all! The bacteria also have genes that help them deal with heavy metals. This means they might be useful for cleaning up pollution in the future. Plus, they're tough! They have genes that help them survive in the harsh, changing environment of tidal flats. This discovery gives us a better understanding of how tiny organisms play a huge role in the ocean's ecosystem.