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Maceration of Clover and Grass Leaves by Lachnospira multiparus
K J Cheng1, D Dinsdale, C S Stewart
1The Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, Scotland AB2 9SB.
Abstract:
A strain of Lachnospira multiparus, a pectin-hydrolyzing bacterium from the rumen, was incubated in nutrient media in the presence of surface-disinfected clover leaflets. When the culture flasks containing the leaflets together with Lachnospira were shaken after overnight incubation, extensive maceration of the leaflets was seen, although uninoculated control leaflets remained intact during a similar treatment. Examination of inoculated leaflets by transmission electron microscopy showed extensive invasion of intercellular areas of the mesophyll tissue but only minor invasion of vascular tissue. Cutting the leaves before incubation greatly increased the ability of L. multiparus to colonize and macerate the leaflets. Similar experiments with grass leaves are also described, and the possible role of maceration in the digestion of plant material in the rumen is discussed. Although Lachnospira stains gram variable and often gram negative, the ultrastructure of the cell wall was that of a gram-positive bacterium.
Insights
Lachnospira multiparus bacteria can break down clover and grass leaves, especially when cut. This pectin-hydrolyzing bacterium plays a role in plant material digestion within the rumen.
Area of Science:
- Rumen microbiology
- Plant-microbe interactions
- Bacterial cell wall structure
Background:
- Rumen bacteria are crucial for digesting plant material.
- Lachnospira multiparus is a known pectin-hydrolyzing bacterium found in the rumen.
- Understanding bacterial maceration mechanisms is key to ruminant nutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the maceration capabilities of Lachnospira multiparus on plant tissues.
- To examine the colonization patterns of L. multiparus within clover and grass leaves.
- To explore factors influencing bacterial maceration efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of surface-disinfected clover and grass leaflets with L. multiparus cultures.
- Macroscopic observation of leaflet maceration after mechanical agitation.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for analyzing bacterial invasion of leaf tissues.
- Comparative analysis of intact versus pre-cut leaves.
Main Results:
- Extensive maceration of clover leaflets occurred when incubated with L. multiparus and agitated.
- L. multiparus primarily invaded intercellular mesophyll spaces, with limited vascular tissue colonization.
- Pre-cutting the leaves significantly enhanced L. multiparus colonization and maceration.
- Similar maceration effects were observed with grass leaves.
Conclusions:
- Lachnospira multiparus possesses significant maceration abilities on plant tissues, particularly when pre-damaged.
- The bacterium's colonization strategy involves intercellular invasion of mesophyll tissue.
- Bacterial maceration likely contributes to plant material breakdown in the rumen.
- Despite variable Gram staining, L. multiparus exhibits a Gram-positive cell wall ultrastructure.
