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Nested bacterial boxes: nuclear and other intracellular compartments in planctomycetes
John A Fuerst1, Evgeny Sagulenko
1School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia. j.fuerst@uq.edu.au
Journal of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology
|April 26, 2013
Summary
Planctomycetes bacteria possess internal compartments, challenging typical bacterial cell structure. Their complex organization and protein uptake mechanisms offer insights into the evolution of eukaryotic cell complexity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Typical bacterial cells lack internal membrane-bounded compartments.
- Planctomycetes exhibit unique cellular architectures with multiple compartments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature and function of compartments in Planctomycetes.
- To explore the implications of Planctomycetes' cellular organization on evolutionary biology.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of Planctomycetes species.
- Analysis of compartmentation and endomembrane systems.
- Investigation of protein uptake mechanisms in Gemmata obscuriglobus.
Main Results:
- Planctomycetes cells possess at least two major compartments.
- Further compartmentation observed, including nucleoid-enveloping membranes in Gemmata obscuriglobus and energized membranes in anammox planctomycetes.
- Gemmata obscuriglobus displays compartment-confined protein uptake resembling eukaryotic endocytosis.
Conclusions:
- Planctomycetes provide a model for understanding the evolution of membrane-bounded organelles.
- Their cellular complexity challenges traditional definitions of bacterial organization.
- Insights into endomembrane function, transport, and membrane trafficking are provided.
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