Cytoskeletal elements in mycoplasmas and other prokaryotes

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Mycoplasmas are bacteria lacking cell walls.
• The presence and nature of cytoskeletal elements in mycoplasmas and eubacteria are debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the relationship between mycoplasmas and eubacteria.
• To investigate the existence of cytoskeletons in mycoplasmas and eubacteria.
• To examine the function of unique mycoplasma ultrastructural features.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on mycoplasma and eubacteria cell structures.
• Analysis of data regarding the effects of cytochalasins on these organisms.

Main Results:

• Eubacteria show no evidence of actin-like proteins or other cytoskeletal components.
• Cytochalasins exhibit inhibitory effects on some mycoplasmas and eubacteria.
• Data suggest the presence of cytoskeletal elements in mycoplasmas, distinct from actin.

Conclusions:

• The cytoskeleton of eubacteria remains unproven.
• Mycoplasmas may possess a cytoskeleton, but its composition and function require further investigation.
• The role of unique mycoplasma ultrastructures as a mitotic-like apparatus is uncertain.