Well, There he is (now is the author speaking about our little host). After working with him during 3 years in my Ms.Sc. thesis, this is the image that I have about Thiobacillus ferrooxidans bacteria. You may think I am crazy, maybe, because working during this time only with him could did this. You may ask why I imagine him in this way. Here goes some reasons:
1 - He is a chemolitotrophic bacteria, in other words, his energy source comes from inorganic compounds oxidation like iron. It is a more primitive metabolism, compared to heterotrophic bacteria that use organic compounds as an energy source, probably the first kind of life that appeared on earth, and for this reason I put him using so old fashioned clothes.
2 - It is a microorganism used in biohidrometallurgy. A technology that employs this bacteria to bioleach elements like copper, gold and other kinds of metals from mines. Can you imagine a so small organism doing this ? Off course he have to have good teeths and a primitive tool to help him. and don't forget the "capacete" (this is in portuguese, when I find the word in english I will exchange it. It refers to the "hat" used in mines to protect people).
3 - and the last one, but not the less important. He is a bastonet shaped bacteria, so this is the origin of his thick body.

Click here if you want to view the abstract of my work with Thiobacillus

Click here if you want to download a pdf version of my complete thesis with Thiobacillus (442 kb - Portuguese version only)

Click here if you want to see a flash 4.0 animation of Bioleaching of heavy metals in industry.