Related Experiment Videos
Nuclear and cell division in Bacillus subtilis: cell development from spore germination
Journal of Bacteriology
|April 1, 1976
Summary
The mesosome in Bacillus subtilis interacts with nucleoids during cell division. Its complex structure and interaction with nuclear fibrils suggest a vital role in the bacterial cell cycle.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Bacterial Morphology
Background:
- Bacillus subtilis spore germination leads to cell outgrowth.
- Understanding bacterial cell division requires knowledge of organelle dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological changes of nucleoids and mesosomes in Bacillus subtilis during cell outgrowth.
- To elucidate the role of mesosomes in bacterial cell division.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale three-dimensional cell reconstructions of Bacillus subtilis.
- Microscopy and morphological analysis of cellular structures.
Main Results:
- Mesosomes elongate and interact closely with nucleoids during outgrowth.
- In glucose medium, mesosomes penetrate nucleoids; in acetate medium, nucleoids may rest without mesosome contact.
- Mesosomes form complex systems with tubules and vesicles, potentially aiding in nucleoid division.
Conclusions:
- The mesosome's dynamic morphology and interaction with nucleoids suggest a crucial role in the Bacillus subtilis division cycle.
- Mesosomal activity may be influenced by nutrient availability (glucose vs. acetate).