Scratching the Surface: Bacterial Cell Envelopes at the Nanoscale.
Albertus Viljoen1, Simon J Foster2, Georg E Fantner3
1Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
Mbio
|February 27, 2020
Summary
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) visualizes the bacterial cell envelope with high resolution. This technique reveals ultrastructural details of envelope assembly, dynamics, and drug responses, crucial for understanding bacterial viability and antibiotic mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biophysics
- Microscopy
Background:
- The bacterial cell envelope is vital for survival, acting as a barrier and antibiotic target.
- Understanding envelope structure and dynamics is key to cell integrity and antibiotic action.
- High-resolution imaging is needed to visualize the complex bacterial cell envelope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the application of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in studying bacterial cell envelopes.
- To highlight AFM's capability in revealing ultrastructural details of envelope architecture and dynamics.
- To demonstrate AFM's utility in observing live cells and isolated membranes under physiological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for high-spatial resolution imaging of bacterial cell envelopes.
- Observing isolated bacterial membranes and live cells at (sub)nanometer resolution.
- Tracking in vitro structural dynamics in response to growth or drug treatments.
Main Results:
- AFM provides molecular insights into the assembly, dynamics, and functions of bacterial cell envelopes.
- The technique reveals ultrastructural features not visible with traditional optical microscopy.
- AFM allows visualization of physiological states and dynamics that electron microscopy cannot capture.
Conclusions:
- AFM is a powerful tool for elucidating bacterial cell envelope architecture and dynamics.
- This microscopy technique offers unprecedented resolution for studying bacterial structures in situ.
- AFM advances our understanding of cell morphology, integrity, and antibiotic-induced cell death.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Outer Layers of the Cell Envelope
787
The outermost layers of prokaryotic cells play a critical role in their survival, virulence, and interaction with the environment. These layers, often composed of polysaccharides, polypeptides, or proteins, form protective and adhesive structures that vary in organization and function.Capsules and Slime LayersCapsules are highly organized, tightly bound layers that firmly attach to the bacterial cell wall. Capsules are usually made of polysaccharides, though some are made of polypeptides. These...
787
01:28Prokaryotic Cells
48.4K
Prokaryotes are small unicellular organisms that include the domains — Archaea and Bacteria. Bacteria include many common microorganisms, such as Salmonella and E. coli, while the Archaea include extremophiles that live in harsh environments, such as volcanic springs.
Like eukaryotic cells, all prokaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane, have genetic material in the form of single, circular DNA, a cytoplasm that fills the interior of the cell, and ribosomes that synthesize...
Like eukaryotic cells, all prokaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane, have genetic material in the form of single, circular DNA, a cytoplasm that fills the interior of the cell, and ribosomes that synthesize...
48.4K
01:51Prokaryotic Cells
132.1K
Prokaryotes are small unicellular organisms that include the domains—Archaea and Bacteria. Bacteria include many common organisms, such as Salmonella and E. coli, while the Archaea include extremophiles that live in harsh environments, such as volcanic springs.
Like eukaryotic cells, all prokaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane, have genetic material in the form of single, circular DNA, a cytoplasm that fills the interior of the cell, and ribosomes that synthesize proteins....
Like eukaryotic cells, all prokaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane, have genetic material in the form of single, circular DNA, a cytoplasm that fills the interior of the cell, and ribosomes that synthesize proteins....
132.1K
01:22Bacterial Cell Wall
1.8K
The bacterial cell wall is an essential structural component that encases the plasma membrane, preserving cellular integrity, determining shape, and protecting against osmotic stress. This rigid yet flexible structure primarily comprises peptidoglycan, a polymer that forms a mesh-like matrix conferring mechanical strength and flexibility.Peptidoglycan Composition and StructurePeptidoglycan, the core of the bacterial cell wall, comprises alternating units of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and...
1.8K
01:29Archaeal Cell Wall
886
Archaeal cell walls are structurally and compositionally distinct from their bacterial counterparts, lacking the characteristic peptidoglycan layer found in most bacteria. Instead, archaeal cell walls exhibit remarkable diversity, utilizing materials such as pseudomurein, polysaccharides, and proteins to construct their protective outer layers. This structural flexibility is closely tied to archaea's ecological adaptability.S-Layers: The Common Archaeal Cell WallThe S-layer is the most...
886
01:27Plasma Membrane in Bacteria and Archaea
1.3K
The plasma membrane is an essential cellular structure responsible for maintaining cellular integrity and regulating the selective transport of molecules. While bacteria and archaea share the fundamental function of plasma membranes, their structural and molecular differences reflect adaptations to distinct ecological and physiological challenges.Bacterial Plasma MembranesBacterial plasma membranes are predominantly composed of phospholipids with fatty acid chains ester-linked to a glycerol...
1.3K