Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
02:35
Band Theory for Solids: Conductor, Semiconductor & Insulators
17.1K
The big BAM theory: An open and closed case?
Runrun Wu1, Robert Stephenson1, Abigail Gichaba1
1Markey Center for Structural Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, and the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Biomembranes
|September 15, 2019
Summary
The bacterial outer membrane protein assembly machinery (BAM) facilitates the insertion of essential outer membrane proteins (OMPs). Despite recent structural insights, the precise mechanism of BAM-mediated OMP biogenesis remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Structural Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) complex is crucial for the biogenesis of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) in Gram-negative bacteria.
- OMPs, featuring diverse β-barrel structures, perform vital cellular functions including nutrient uptake and virulence.
- While BAM was discovered ~20 years ago, recent structural data has improved our understanding of its components and interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history and recent structural advancements of the BAM complex.
- To critically analyze proposed theories regarding the mechanism of BAM-mediated OMP biogenesis.
- To elucidate the elusive mechanism of outer membrane protein insertion.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of functional characterization studies.
- Analysis of recently reported molecular structures of the BAM complex.
- Critical evaluation of existing hypotheses on BAM function.
Main Results:
- Recent structural studies provide a clearer depiction of BAM complex architecture and intra-complex interactions.
- Understanding of potential conformational changes during OMP biogenesis and the role of chaperones has advanced.
- Despite progress, the exact mechanism of BAM-mediated OMP insertion remains undetermined.
Conclusions:
- The precise mechanism of bacterial outer membrane protein biogenesis by the BAM complex is still debated.
- Further research integrating structural and functional data is required to resolve the OMP insertion mechanism.
- This work critically analyzes current theories, highlighting areas for future investigation into BAM function.
Related Concept Videos
02:35Band Theory
17.1K
When two or more atoms come together to form a molecule, their atomic orbitals combine and molecular orbitals of distinct energies result. In a solid, there are a large number of atoms, and therefore a large number of atomic orbitals that may be combined into molecular orbitals. These groups of molecular orbitals are so closely placed together to form continuous regions of energies, known as the bands.
The energy difference between these bands is known as the band gap.
Conductor, Semiconductor,...
The energy difference between these bands is known as the band gap.
Conductor, Semiconductor,...
17.1K
02:45Self-Discrepancy Theory
18.9K
One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
18.9K
02:31Scientific Laws and Theories
87.1K
Scientific Laws
87.1K
00:56Attribution Theory
13.7K
Behavior is a product of both the situation (e.g., cultural influences, social roles, and the presence of bystanders) and of the person (e.g., personality characteristics). Subfields of psychology tend to focus on one influence or behavior over others. Situationism is the view that our behavior and actions are determined by our immediate environment and surroundings. In contrast, dispositionism holds that our behavior is determined by internal factors (Heider, 1958).
13.7K
02:59The Atomic Theory of Matter
126.8K
The earliest recorded discussion of the basic structure of matter comes from ancient Greek philosophers. Leucippus and Democritus argued that all matter was composed of small, finite particles that they called atomos, meaning “indivisible.” Later, Aristotle and others came to the conclusion that matter consisted of various combinations of the four “elements” — fire, earth, air, and water — and could be infinitely divided. Interestingly, these philosophers...
126.8K
02:06Social Exchange Theory
39.5K
We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
39.5K