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Inroads through the bacterial cell envelope: seeing is believing.

Cezar M Khursigara^1,2, Susan F Koval³, Dianne M Moyles²

¹a Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.

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Summary

This review highlights Terry Beveridge's pioneering work on bacterial cell envelopes and surface layers (S-layers). His research advanced cryo-electron microscopy techniques, revealing bacterial ultrastructure and assembly processes.

Keywords:

CEMOVIS Terry J. Beveridge cell envelope couches de surface cryo-electron microscopy cryomicroscopie électronique enveloppe cellulaire surface layers

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Cell Biology
Biophysics

Background:

Prokaryotic cells possess a unique cell envelope comprising a cytoplasmic membrane and cell wall.
Bacterial cell fractionation and electron microscopy advancements in the mid-20th century enabled detailed cell envelope studies.

Purpose of the Study:

To review Terry Beveridge's significant contributions to understanding bacterial cell envelope structure and ultrastructure.
To highlight the impact of cryo-electron microscopy techniques developed and applied by Beveridge.

Main Methods:

Review of historical research and publications by Terry Beveridge.
Exploration of cryogenic methods for preserving bacterial ultrastructure.
Application of cryo-electron microscopy, including CEMOVIS, for imaging bacterial cell envelopes.

Main Results:

Beveridge's early work elucidated the structure of paracrystalline surface layers (S-layers).
Advancements in cryo-electron microscopy provided unprecedented insights into S-layer assembly and bacterial cell envelope ultrastructure.
CEMOVIS enabled visualization of the Gram-positive cell envelope.

Conclusions:

Terry Beveridge made seminal contributions to bacterial cell envelope research through innovative microscopy techniques.
His work significantly advanced the understanding of S-layer structure, assembly, and the overall ultrastructure of prokaryotic cell envelopes.