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Planctomycetes do possess a peptidoglycan cell wall.

Olga Jeske1, Margarete Schüler2, Peter Schumann3

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Planctomycetes bacteria possess a peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall, challenging previous assumptions. This finding reveals their cellular architecture is similar to other Gram-negative bacteria.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Bacterial Genetics

Background:

  • Most bacteria utilize a peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall for structural integrity and cell division.
  • Planctomycetes were previously thought to lack PG, possessing a proteinaceous cell wall instead.
  • This perceived absence of PG influenced theories on bacterial evolution and ancestry.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence or absence of peptidoglycan (PG) in Planctomycetes.
  • To re-evaluate the cellular architecture and evolutionary implications of Planctomycetes.
  • To determine if Planctomycetes share similarities with other bacterial lineages.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis of planctomycetal genomes for PG synthesis genes.
  • Biochemical assays to detect PG components (sugars and peptides).
  • Microscopy (light, electron, cryo-electron tomography) to visualize cell wall structure and lysozyme susceptibility.

Main Results:

  • Planctomycetal genomes encode proteins essential for PG synthesis.
  • Biochemical evidence confirmed the presence of PG's sugar and peptide components in Planctomycetes.
  • Microscopic studies revealed PG sacculi susceptible to lysozyme and a typical PG cell wall structure.

Conclusions:

  • Planctomycetes possess a peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall, contrary to prior beliefs.
  • Their cellular architecture is comparable to Gram-negative bacteria.
  • This finding necessitates a revision of Planctomycetes' evolutionary position and cell division mechanisms.