Sporosarcina ureae Bacteria Found in Miami Soil

The bacterium Sporosarcina ureae lives in Miami soil. This organism, related to the Bacillus genus, requires oxygen, moves independently and forms spores that can survive for up to a year. Researchers observed that Sporosarcina ureae thrives in environments with high urea concentrations by producing exourease, an enzyme that breaks down urea into ammonia. Scientists classified Sporosarcina ureae in 1901, with refinements in 1936. This Gram-positive coccus's presence highlights the complexity of Miami's biological ecosystems.