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Membrane structures of Acholeplasma laidlawii and its virus

B Liska, R Janisch

    Folia Microbiologica
    |January 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Acholeplasma laidlawii S 2 and its virus MV-Lg-L 172 share similar membrane ultrastructures. Freeze-fracture analysis revealed comparable particles, aggregates, grains, spikes, and fibrils in both mycoplasma and virus membranes.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Virology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • Acholeplasma laidlawii is a species of mollicutes, a group of bacteria lacking a cell wall.
    • Mycoplasmas and their associated viruses offer unique models for studying membrane structure and interactions.
    • Freeze-fracture electron microscopy is a key technique for visualizing membrane ultrastructures.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate and compare the ultrastructural organization of Acholeplasma laidlawii S 2 and its virus MV-Lg-L 172 membranes.
    • To identify and characterize distinct structural components within the mycoplasma and viral membranes.
    • To determine the degree of structural similarity between mycoplasmal and viral membranes.

    Main Methods:

    • Freeze-fracture electron microscopy was employed to examine the fracture faces of Acholeplasma laidlawii S 2 and MV-Lg-L 172.
    • Ultrastructural components were analyzed based on their size, distribution, and morphology.
    • Comparative analysis of membrane structures was performed between the bacterium and its virus.

    Main Results:

    • Four main types of ultrastructures were identified: particles (7-19 nm), aggregates (13-25 nm), grains/spikes (2-6 nm), and linear structures (fibrils/filaments).
    • Particles were predominantly observed on cytoplasmic fracture faces, while grains/spikes were common on outer mycoplasmal fracture faces.
    • A high degree of structural similarity was found between the membranes of Acholeplasma laidlawii and its virus MV-Lg-L 172, with no significant differences noted.

    Conclusions:

    • The study demonstrates a remarkable structural congruence between the mycoplasma host and its virus.
    • The findings suggest conserved membrane assembly or interaction mechanisms between Acholeplasma laidlawii and MV-Lg-L 172.
    • This structural similarity provides insights into host-virus membrane relationships in mollicutes.

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