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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
06:08
Biophysical Characterization of Flagellar Motor Functions
Published on: January 18, 2017
Invited review: bacterial flagellar sheaths: structures in search of a function
Cell Motility
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Bacterial flagellar sheaths, though known for decades, lack a defined function. Research suggests these structures may facilitate specific bacterial-surface interactions, unlike complex flagella.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Bacterial flagellar sheaths have been observed for over 30 years.
- Their specific function remains largely uncharacterized.
- Bacterial flagella can exhibit true sheaths or complex flagella with increased diameter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of bacterial flagellar sheaths.
- To differentiate true sheaths from complex flagella.
- To explore potential roles in bacterial-surface interactions.
Main Methods:
- Immunological analysis of flagellar components.
- Chemical characterization of flagellar sheaths, cores, and LPS layers.
- Comparison between true sheathed and complex flagella.
Main Results:
- Immunological and chemical distinctions identified between flagellar sheaths, cores, and LPS layers.
- Complex flagella are sharply differentiated from sheathed flagella.
- Functions like phage reception or enhanced motility in viscous environments are attributed to complex flagella, not true sheaths.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial flagellar sheaths may play a role in specific bacterium-surface interactions.
- The functional significance of true flagellar sheaths requires further investigation.
- The relationship between flagellar rotation and sheath dynamics is an open question.
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