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Unusual fibrils from the spirochete-like sex ratio organism

D L Williamson

    Journal of Bacteriology
    |February 1, 1974
    PubMed

    Insights

    Treatment of the Sex Ratio Organism with sodium deoxycholate releases fibrils. These fibrils, crucial for understanding spirochete-like organisms, measure 3.6 nm in diameter with a 9 nm period.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Cell Biology
    • Biophysics

    Background:

    • The Sex Ratio Organism (SRO) is a spirochete-like microorganism.
    • Understanding the structural components of SRO is essential for its characterization.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effect of sodium deoxycholate on the Sex Ratio Organism.
    • To characterize the fibrils released from the organism upon treatment.

    Main Methods:

    • Treatment of SRO with sodium deoxycholate.
    • Analysis of released structures using electron microscopy or other relevant techniques to determine dimensions.

    Main Results:

    • Sodium deoxycholate treatment induced the release of fibrils from the SRO.
    • The released fibrils exhibit a consistent diameter of 3.6 nm.
    • A distinct periodicity of 9 nm was observed along the fibrils.

    Conclusions:

    • Sodium deoxycholate is effective in disrupting the Sex Ratio Organism and releasing its fibrillar components.
    • The characterized fibrils represent a significant structural element of the SRO, potentially involved in its biological functions.

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