Magnetosome chains are membranous
prokaryotic structures present in
magnetotactic bacteria. They contain 15 to 20
magnetite crystals that together act like a
compass needle to orient magnetotactic bacteria in
geomagnetic fields, thereby simplifying their search for their preferred
microaerophilic environments. Each magnetite crystal within a magnetosome is surrounded by a
lipid bilayer, and specific soluble and transmembrane
proteins are sorted to the
membrane. Recent research has shown that magnetosomes are invaginations of the inner membrane and not freestanding
vesicles. Magnetite-bearing magnetosomes have also been found in eukaryotic magnetotactic algae, with each cell containing several thousand crystals.