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Cellular localization of lipoteichoic acid in Streptococcus faecalis
Journal of Bacteriology
|June 1, 1975
Summary
Lipoteichoic acid and mesosomal vesicles are released from Streptococcus faecalis cells during autolysis. These components are found in the supernatant, not associated with each other or cell wall fragments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Streptococcus faecalis ATCC 9790 undergoes autolysis, forming spherical, osmotically fragile bodies.
- Autolytic N-acetylmuramidase activity plays a role in cell wall degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the release of lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and mesosomal vesicles during bacterial autolysis.
- To determine the association between LTA and mesosomal vesicles.
Main Methods:
- Labeling cells with [14-C]- or [3-H]glycerol to trace LTA and lipid-glycerol.
- Incubating cells in a stabilizing buffer to induce autolysis and vesicle formation.
- Differential centrifugation to separate LTA and mesosomal vesicles from the supernatant.
Main Results:
- Both LTA and mesosomal vesicles were rapidly released into the supernatant.
- Most LTA and mesosomal vesicles were released while the cell wall remained largely intact.
- LTA was not found to be associated with isolated mesosomal vesicles; LTA remained in the supernatant after ultracentrifugation, while vesicles were pelleted.
- Mesosomal vesicles exhibited distinct biochemical properties compared to protoplast membranes.
Conclusions:
- LTA and mesosomal vesicles are released independently during Streptococcus faecalis autolysis.
- LTA is a soluble component in the supernatant, not integral to mesosomal vesicles.
- Mesosomal vesicles are distinct membrane structures with unique enzymatic and lipid profiles.