Inactivation of swmA results in the loss of an outer cell layer in a swimming Synechococcus strain
Inactivation of swmA results in the loss of an outer cell layer in a swimming Synechococcus strain
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DOI:
10.1128/jb.187.1.224-230.2005
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发表时间:
2005-01-01
影响因子:
3.2
通讯作者:
Brahamsha, B
中科院分区:
文献类型:
--
作者:
McCarren, J;Heuser, J;Brahamsha, B
The mechanism of nonflagellar swimming of marine unicellular cyanobacteria remains poorly understood. SwmA is an abundant cell surface-associated 130-kDa glycoprotein that is required for the generation of thrust in Synechococcus sp. strain WH8102. Ultrastructural comparisons of wild-type cells to a mutant strain in which the gene encoding SwmA has been insertionally inactivated reveal that the mutant lacks a layer external to the outer membrane. Cryofixation and freeze-substitution are required for the preservation of this external layer. Freeze fracturing and etching reveal that this additional layer is an S-layer. How the S-layer might function in motility remains elusive; however, this work describes an ultrastructural component required for this unique type of swimming. In addition, the work presented here describes the envelope structure of a model swimming cyanobacterium.