Three-dimensional structure of the surface layer of Wolinella recta

The three-dimensional structure of the crystalline surface layer (S-layer) of Wolinella recta ATCC 33238T, a gram-negative, anaerobic periodontopathogen, was determined to 3.8 nm resolution by electron microscopy and digital image processing. The S-layer protein is closely associated with the outer bacterial membrane, and shows p6 symmetry with lattice spacing and thickness of 21 nm and 15 nm, respectively. The funnel-shaped subunits consist of 6 heavy domains located round a common base at the sixfold axis, and communicate with the adjacent subunits through a lighter domain at the threefold axis (M6C3 arrangement).