Primary endosymbiont of carpenter ants. Candidatus Blochmanniella floridana

Candidatus Blochmannia floridanus. Candidatus Blochmannia floridanus, like similar endosymbionts, has lost many genes and maintains a minimal set for growth inside the host cell. Genes that have been retained include those for the production of metabolites useful to the host organim such as those for the production of a number of essential amino acids. In exchange for these services, the bacterium receives essential metabolites from the host in order to function. For example, the bacteria produce citrulline which the host uses to produce arginine which the bacteria then catabolizes. Candidatus Blochmannia floridanus also forms reduced sulfate for host cysteine production. Interestingly, similar traits are observed in mitochondria, including the fact that these bacteria appear to be maternally transmitted through oocytes to the ant progeny.