Superbacterium

The superbacterium is a peculiar class of bacteria that forms a symbiotic (or arguably, a parasitic) relationship with the organic system of the Bacterians. The biological system of a Bacterian consists of two equally important parts; the macrobody and the superbacterium.

Unlike the relatively simple functions of bacteria found as symbionts in most other organisms, the superbacterium has evolved further into a kind of a "auxiliary reproductive system" for the host species, taking over many macrobody functions. This peculiar form of interaction of the micro- with the macroscopic is where the Bacterian species got its name.

Characteristics

The superbacterium is an ancient organism that most clearly resembles bacteria, although it also exhibits viral behavior. Like bacteria, the organism infects other cells through osmosis, then mutates and reproduces apamogenetically.

Genetic assimilation

The superbacterium exhibits a capability of assimilating a wide variety of genetic materials and incorporating them into the Bacterian genome. This unique trait allows the Bacterian genetic makeup extreme flexibility and most notably, allows the Bacterian race to assume genetic characteristics from and produce offspring with species entirely alien to their genome. Before contact with the Bacterians, mating cross-species was considered a physical impossibility by biological sciences.

Symbiont or parasite?

A subject of ongoing debate is whether the superbacterium is a mere symbiotic component of the humanoid Bacterian species, or if the microscopic organism represents the "true" Bacterian species and the humanoid macrobodies are simply outgrowths of genetic material the bacterial organism uses as a vessel to assimilate further genetic traits. It has even been seen by some as a plague - as indeed any other less advanced spreading microscopic organism might be.

Political matters complicate the issue, however, as the Bacterian Empire has expressed great outrage at the idea of reducing their entire species, history and culture into the result of "catching a germ". Similarly, this type of insulting rhetoric has been intentionally used by propagandists and xenophobic or speciesist anti-Bacterian elements of other species, especially during war time. Generally, one would be well advised not to bring up the subject for debate in the presence of Bacterians.