Cytoskeletal elements in mycoplasmas and other prokaryotes

This paper reviews the relationship of mycoplasmas to eubacteria, the question of whether mycoplasmas and eubacteria have a cytoskeleton, and whether the unique ultrastructural features of certain mycoplasmas function as a mitotic-like apparatus. Although cytochalasins have inhibitory effects on some mycoplasmas and eubacteria, there are no data indicating that eubacteria have an actin-like protein or other cytoskeletal element. However, the situation for the mycoplasmas remain confusing. While mycoplasma may not contain actin, the data do suggest the presence of other cytoskeletal elements.