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[The phenotypic traits of Mollicutes as their possible phylogenetic markers]
Abstract:
Interaction of cells of mollicutes Acholeplasma laidlawii PG 8, A. laidlawii var. granulum 18, Mycoplasma hominis PG 21, M. pneumoniae FH, M. fermentans PG 118 and their extracellular products with different carbohydrates, plant lectins of different carbohydrate specificity with glycocalix carbohydrates of the same microorganisms has been studied. Basing on this study and data from literature a conclusion is made that such phenotypical characteristics as the ability to form extracellular fructose-1.6-diphosphate specific lectin and N-acetylneuraminic acid as the end sugar in the composition of carbohydrates of mollicute glycocalyx can serve a phylogenetic marker. These markers indicate the possible origin of mollicutes from bacteria of the group Bacillus-Lactobacillus-Streptococcus as a result of degenerative evolution and are their rather stable characteristics. Such marker as extracellular lectin specific to fructoso-1.6-diphosphate which is formed by phytopathogenic mollicute A. laidlawii var. granulum, 118 evidences that in spite of genetic affinity of this "yellow" agent of cereals with A. laidlawii, it does not descend from the last ancestor directly, but they probably have some general ancestor. We do not know yet this ancestor which is a link in the evolution chain of acholeplasmas in the process of their origin from the mentioned group of bacteria. It is supposed that these markers together with such known phylogenetic markers as lactate dehydrogenase which is activated by fructoso-1.6-diphosphate, and aldolases and glycolipids with specific properties can additionally evidence for the origin of mollicutes and their affinity to certain groups of microorganisms.
Insights
Mollicutes may have evolved from bacteria like Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus. Specific cell surface sugars and lectins act as phylogenetic markers for their evolutionary origins.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Mollicutes, a unique class of bacteria lacking cell walls, exhibit diverse interactions with carbohydrates and lectins.
- Understanding their evolutionary history is crucial for classifying these microorganisms and their relationships to other bacteria.
Purpose:
- To investigate the interactions of various mollicute species with carbohydrates and plant lectins.
- To identify potential phylogenetic markers within the mollicute glycocalyx and extracellular products.
Summary:
- The study analyzed interactions between mollicute cells (including Acholeplasma laidlawii, Mycoplasma hominis, M. pneumoniae, and M. fermentans) and carbohydrates/lectins.
- Extracellular fructose-1,6-diphosphate specific lectin and N-acetylneuraminic acid in the glycocalyx are proposed as stable phylogenetic markers.
- These markers suggest a possible origin of mollicutes from the Bacillus-Lactobacillus-Streptococcus group via degenerative evolution.
Impact:
- Identified novel phylogenetic markers for mollicutes, aiding in their classification and evolutionary studies.
- Provides evidence supporting the degenerative evolution hypothesis for mollicute origins.
- Suggests further investigation of markers like lactate dehydrogenase and aldolases to refine understanding of mollicute phylogeny.