Gemmata obscuriglobus: A connecting link between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell

Gemmata obscuriglobus, distinctive member of phylum planctomycetes possesses uncommon features which make it unique from other bacteria and has gained significant attention in the field of microbial evolution and ecology. Presence of cellular characteristics like intracellular compartmentalization, condensed-membrane bound nucleoid, endocytosis-like mechanism and sterol biosynthesis has made it the intermediate member of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. These features which were previously thought to be restricted for eukaryotes has raised the question about its taxonomical classification and made it the target organism for studying the evolution of eukaryotes. G. obscuriglobus shows resistance to heavy metals and can also produce antimicrobial peptides, which reveal potential applications of this organism. This review intends to highlight the cellular morphology and molecular characteristics. Additionally, the article also outlines the unique features which question its classification in detail for better understanding about this bacterium.