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Growth and division of Spiroplasma citri: elongation of elementary helices
Abstract:
The smallest viable cell of Spiroplasma citri is a two-turn helix (elementary helix). This elementary helix grows into longer parental cells, which then divide by constriction. The helical morphology is conserved during this process. The growth pattern of S. citri membranes has been investigated by different methods of membrane labeling. When labeling is done with specific antibodies, a diffuse growth of the membrane is observed. On the contrary, pulse-labeling of the membrane with tritiated amino acids reveals a polar growth of the organism. Finally, labeling of oxydo reduction sites with potassium tellurite also indicates a polarity in the organism. These results are discussed, and a scheme for spiroplasma growth is proposed.
Insights
Spiroplasma citri exhibits helical cell growth, starting from an elementary helix. Membrane labeling studies reveal polar growth patterns, challenging previous assumptions about its development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Spiroplasma citri, a helical bacterium, has a unique morphology.
- Understanding its growth mechanism is crucial for cell biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the membrane growth pattern of Spiroplasma citri.
- To elucidate the cellular development and morphology conservation during growth.
Main Methods:
- Membrane labeling using specific antibodies.
- Pulse-labeling with tritiated amino acids.
- Labeling of oxidation-reduction sites with potassium tellurite.
Main Results:
- Antibody labeling suggested diffuse membrane growth.
- Tritiated amino acid pulse-labeling indicated polar growth.
- Potassium tellurite labeling confirmed polarity in Spiroplasma citri.
Conclusions:
- Spiroplasma citri exhibits polar growth, with specific sites of membrane addition.
- A model for spiroplasma growth, conserving helical morphology, is proposed.