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Electron microscopic observations of prokaryotic surface appendages
Ki Woo Kim1,2
1School of Ecology and Environmental System, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, 37224, Republic of Korea. kiwoo@knu.ac.kr.
Journal of Microbiology (Seoul, Korea)
|December 8, 2017
Summary
Prokaryotic microbes have diverse surface appendages like flagella and pili. Unique archaeal structures include cannulae and hami, aiding in cell function and attachment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Prokaryotic microbes, including bacteria and archaea, exhibit diverse cell surface appendages.
- Common bacterial appendages are flagella, pili, curli, and spinae.
- Archaea possess unique structures such as archaella, cannulae, and hami, in addition to pili.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of prokaryotic cell surface appendages.
- To differentiate between bacterial and archaeal structures.
- To highlight the functional roles and structural characteristics of these appendages.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of prokaryotic cell surface structures.
- Comparative analysis of appendage morphology and function.
- Discussion of recent advancements in cryo-transmission electron microscopy for structural analysis.
Main Results:
- Flagella are the thickest appendages, involved in motility.
- Pili are thin, hair-like structures found in both bacteria and archaea.
- Archaea possess unique cannulae for cell connection and hami for attachment.
Conclusions:
- Prokaryotic cell surface appendages display significant diversity in structure and function.
- Cryo-transmission electron microscopy is crucial for detailed in situ structural analysis.
- Understanding these appendages is key to comprehending microbial interactions and survival.
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