Kataspira
Kataspira is the general term given to a species of bacteria that evolved to live in the extreme environments surrounding active Gaps. They are most prevalent around the Amin Duum Gate, on account of its subterranean location. Despite this, Kataspira have been found living in the peaks surrounding the Gap at Nas Trinitar, the mesas below the Rad Ruinn Gate, and even scattered in small quantities on the towers close to the Dragon Gate at Nas Isca. Kataspira have also been known to develop active colonies on the Plain directly above the cave where Gap at Amin Duum opens, which researchers suggest indicates that Kataspira may be able to spontaneously develop from the ingestion of kata by bacteria much further from an active Gap than previously thought.
Etymology
The term “kataspira” was originally used to describe a vast range of unicellular organisms believed to ingest or be in some other way dependent on the kata present at the seven Gaps. However, research in the late 3200s divided these up into categories based upon the ancestor species from which the various kataspira had first evolved. As a result of this, the term was defined as referring only to those species of bacteria which had evolved to depend upon kata either through katatrophy or chemotrophy. The -spira was added to the name by Tuteshi et al. (2364), who were first able to use microscopic technology to study them. Tuteshi noted that bacteria absorbing kata and evolving from bacteria which had been exposed to kata close to the Gaps tended to develop spiral formations within their structure.Discovery
In the first centuries after the initial opening of the Gaps, research into their activity and impact on surrounding environment and ecology was very limited. The first focus of the development of Amnari culture and structure was the protection of the general surrounding biological population from the creatures coming through the Gaps, and the violent kata-storms an open Gap could produce. It took several centuries for the situation to settle enough to allow exploration and investigation into the effects of kata, Gaps, and kata-storms, on the local environment and species. The Servant Watcher Ingatesh (Second Servant of the Guardian Watcher, 2143) is credited with first expressing an interest in and studying the bioluminescent growths on the walls of the Gap Chamber at Amin Duum. Ingatesh appealed for funding and the right to develop the first research programmes dedicated to understanding Gap Physics, as well as the specific impact of kata in the environment. Research into kataspira and kata-affected life forms is typically managed under the auspices of the Guardian Watcher, with support from the Guardian Defender.Basic Information
Anatomy
Kataspira are single-cell organisms commonly termed “bacteria”, which have either ingested large quantities of kata themselves, or evolved from kata-dependent colonies. A common feature of Kataspira is that during the fixation of kata, they develop bioluminescence in a variety of colours, dependent on the subspecies, and the violence of the kata-storm or Gap from which they have drawn the kata. The most common colours are blue and purple, although in rare cases Kataspira have been found to turn orange or red.
Genetics and Reproduction
Kataspira reproduce via binary fission, a form of asexual reproduction. The speed at which this occurs is dependent on the presence and strength of kata in the local environment. It is also important to note that as kataspira are responsible for the process of kata-fixing, it is possible that this process develops into a positive feedback loop, with some species of kataspira feeding off the processed kata produced by others.
Growth Rate & Stages
The growth rate of kataspira is dependent on the subspecies and type and quantity of kata to which they have been exposed. Kataspira grow in abundance around Gaps, especially those at Nas Trinitar and Amin Duum, where the kata-forces are especially strong and unstable.
Ecology and Habitats
Kataspira live in regions dominated by strong kata-forces. They are most commonly found on the walls of the Gap Chamber at Amin Duum, although they are now understood to be present whenever and wherever kata is used in significant quantities. Kataspira are known to develop on the bodies of individuals who have received extensive treatment during an illness or following injury. While they were initially believed to be harmful, they are now understood to be essential in the fixation process and actively encouraged to multiply during treatment (see, in particular, Amateta 4592).
Kataspira typically form colonies, where they are better able to defend themselves from the pressures of the external environment. These take the form of biofilms across the surface of rocks, plants, or skin, although the specific type of biofilm or colony is heavily influenced by the origin species from which the kataspira evolved.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Kataspira can be divided into two groups: those which process kata in a manner similar to phototrophy (termed katatrophy and those which use oxidation (similar to chemotrophy). Recent research suggests that high exposure to kata by different types of bacteria may be responsible for this division. Kataspira are responsible for fixing kata and enabling its use by Watchers, making them a vital component of active Hubs outside the various Amnari Bubbles.
Biological Cycle
Although bacteria generally grow to a fixed size, exposure to kata has led to much larger growth and a change to the cell membrane in order to facilitate the ingestion and processing of kata. The reproduction of kataspira is dependent on origin species of bacteria, typically binary fission. The speed of this process is dependent on the levels of kata exposure.
Additional Information
Domestication
Although Kataspira are found in very large quantities in locations close to active Gaps, attempting to grow them in laboratory conditions has proved incredibly difficult. Kata is not uniform in nature, which leads to the Kataspira to develop specific qualities dependent on the type of kata they typically ingest. Kataspira were believed to be dangerous for a long period, which limited the research being conducted on how to best harness their diverse capabilities. Work conducted throughout the early 4500s identified particular species found tied to a specific Gap, following the earlier research of the 4300s into the kata living in the walls of infirmaries. The process of identifying, classifying, and then growing artificial colonies has been severely hampered by those who consider kata to be dangerous, wishing to restrict its use to clearly defined limits.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Kataspira are essential for the successful treatment of certain illnesses and injury. In early 4601, Nauru et al. (4602, 4603) first attempted to use Kataspira as the basis for fixing enough kata to create a stable Hub that could sustain a treatment facility outside an Amnari Bubble. Although small Hubs had long been used to maintain links at small linking stations, these Hubs could not sustain any extensive use of kata for medical treatment. This work enabled the development of clinics on the borders of or outside Amnari Bubbles. Growing large colonies in laboratory conditions has proved difficult, and some varieties of Kataspira cannot be harnessed at all.
Scientific Name
Bacillis kataspira
Origin/Ancestry
Bacteria
Conservation Status
After their initial discovery, Kataspira were first believed to be universally harmful. However, work by early Watchers determined that they were essential for the successful fixation of kata in the environment and as such, critical for their work. Certain species identified as living in the walls of infirmaries, especially Dedicated Gap and Academic at Amin Duum, which is particularly close to an active Gap, are now considered to be formally protected and their growth is encouraged to ensure successful treatment of illness and injury.
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