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Cytoskeletal Proteins in Bacteria

Bacterial cells were initially considered simple, randomly organized structures lacking a cytoskeleton. However, the discovery of cytoskeleton homologs in bacteria led to the change of this opinion. Bacterial cytoskeletal filaments regulate the cell shape, cell polarity, cell division, and partitioning of plasmids during cell division. It was later discovered that bacterial cytoskeletal proteins, mainly actin and tubulin homologs, are diverse compared to their eukaryotic counterparts. On the...
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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...
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Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are crucial components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, serving both structural and functional roles. It contributes to membrane stability and protects bacteria from host immune responses. LPS is composed of three major regions—lipid A, a core oligosaccharide, and an O antigen. The biosynthesis and assembly of LPS involve a highly coordinated set of enzymatic reactions and transport mechanisms. Additionally, LPS is recognized as an endotoxin, triggering...
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Updated: May 16, 2026

Isolation and Chemical Characterization of Lipid A from Gram-negative Bacteria
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Polyelectrolyte nature of bacterial teichoic acids.

R J Doyle, M L McDannel, U N Streips

    Journal of Bacteriology
    |May 1, 1974
    PubMed
    Summary

    The structure of Bacillus subtilis teichoic acid changes from a rigid rod to a random coil in the presence of salt, influencing its interaction with bacteriophages and bacterial physiology.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Biochemistry
    • Polymer Science

    Background:

    • Teichoic acids are essential cell wall components in Gram-positive bacteria.
    • Understanding their physicochemical properties is crucial for comprehending bacterial physiology and host interactions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To characterize the physicochemical properties of Bacillus subtilis 168 teichoic acid.
    • To investigate the influence of solvent conditions, particularly salt concentrations, on teichoic acid conformation.

    Main Methods:

    • Determination of partial specific volume and molecular weight using ultracentrifugation.
    • Analysis of sedimentation behavior in various solvents.
    • Assessment of structural changes using viscometry, UV difference spectroscopy, and precipitation inhibition assays.

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  • Evaluation of the reversibility of salt-induced structural changes.

    • Main Results:

    • The teichoic acid exhibited a partial specific volume of 0.57 ml/g and a weight-average molecular weight of 24,800.
    • Sedimentation was solvent-dependent, with a sedimentation coefficient of 1.90S in dilute buffers.
    • In water, the polymer adopted a rigid rod conformation, which transitioned to a random coil in the presence of salt.
    • Salt-induced structural changes were reversible and affected bacteriophage adsorption.
    • Divalent cations like Mg(2+) had minimal impact on the teichoic acid structure.

    Conclusions:

    • Bacillus subtilis teichoic acid conformation is sensitive to ionic strength, reversibly altering from a rigid rod to a random coil.
    • These structural dynamics may play a significant role in bacterial physiology, including interactions with bacteriophages.