Myxococcus xanthus is a good model organism to study, with its large genome conveying many different features that are normally only found in higher organisms. M. xanthus is capable of forming biofilms, developmental differentiation, type IV pili and bacterial motor systems, prokaryotic signalling, and biological pest control.
M. xanthus is also a highly social bacteria, exhibiting altruistic behaviour. It is able to form swarms, predate other bacterium, and show coordinated behaviour.
Myxococcus is also capable of spore formation, allowing fruiting body processes to be understood.
The wide range of genetic features makes M. xanthus a good model organism for studying many processes.