Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
08:44
Visualization of Twitching Motility and Characterization of the Role of the PilG in Xylella fastidiosa
Published on: April 8, 2016
Rotary movements and fluid membranes in termite flagellates
Journal of Cell Science
|May 1, 1976
Summary
This study confirms fluid cell membranes in devescovinid flagellates using rotational motility. Researchers observed distinct internal and external rotary mechanisms in Australian and Florida termites, providing visual evidence of membrane fluidity.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Protozoology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cell motility provides evidence for the fluid nature of cell membranes.
- Devescovinid flagellates exhibit unique unidirectional rotation.
- Previous studies identified a microtubular axostyle as part of the rotary motor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm rotational motility in devescovinids from Australian termites.
- To provide additional visual evidence for fluid cell membranes.
- To comparatively analyze rotary mechanisms in different devescovinid species.
Main Methods:
- Observation of devescovinid flagellates from Australian termites.
- Demonstration of plasma membrane continuity in the shear zone.
- Comparative analysis of axostyle structure and rotational motility.
Main Results:
- Rotational motility and plasma membrane continuity were confirmed in Australian devescovinids.
- Two distinct rotary mechanisms were identified: internal (Hyperdevescovina) and external (Devescovina).
- Axostyle structure variations correlate with different motility mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Devescovinid rotational motility offers direct visual evidence of fluid cell membranes.
- The study reveals diverse rotary mechanisms within devescovinids, highlighting evolutionary adaptations.
- Axostyle morphology plays a crucial role in the distinct modes of devescovinid cell rotation.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Microtubules in Cell Motility
Microtubules are thick hollow cylindrical proteins that help form the cytoskeleton. Microtubules have varied roles in the cell. These filaments help form cellular appendages like cilia and flagella, which are responsible for locomotion. The cilia arise from basal bodies, separated from the main body by a membrane-like structure forming the transition zone. This zone is the gate for the entry of lipids and proteins, creating a unique composition of lipids and proteins in the ciliary membrane and...
01:05Mechanism of Ciliary Motion
The ciliary structures were first seen in 1647 by Antonie Leeuwenhoek while observing the protozoans. In lower organisms, these appendages are responsible for cell movement, while in higher organisms, these appendages help in the movement of the extracellular fluids within the body cavities.
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
01:24Microtubules in Cell Motility
Microtubules are thick hollow cylindrical proteins that help form the cytoskeleton. Microtubules have varied roles in the cell. These filaments help form cellular appendages like cilia and flagella, which are responsible for locomotion. The cilia arise from basal bodies, separated from the main body by a membrane-like structure forming the transition zone. This zone is the gate for the entry of lipids and proteins, creating a unique composition of lipids and proteins in the ciliary membrane and...
01:05Mechanism of Ciliary Motion
The ciliary structures were first seen in 1647 by Antonie Leeuwenhoek while observing the protozoans. In lower organisms, these appendages are responsible for cell movement, while in higher organisms, these appendages help in the movement of the extracellular fluids within the body cavities.
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
01:18Flagella and Motility in Bacteria
Flagella are specialized, thread-like structures that extend from a bacteria's cell envelope. They play a crucial role in motility and chemotaxis. Their structural organization and functioning exemplify sophisticated biological engineering, enabling bacterial survival and adaptability in diverse environments.Structure of the FlagellumA bacterial flagellum consists of three key components: the filament, the hook, and basal body. The filament, a long, helical structure composed of repeating...
01:28Fimbriae, Pili, and Axial Filaments
Fimbriae and pili are specialized bacterial surface structures that play pivotal roles in adhesion, genetic exchange, and motility. Composed primarily of pilin protein, these hairlike appendages are crucial for bacterial survival and pathogenicity in various environments.Fimbriae: Adhesion and PathogenicityFimbriae are fine, filamentous structures measuring 2–10 nanometers in diameter and are densely distributed on the bacterial cell surface. They facilitate bacterial adhesion to abiotic...