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Mechanics of bacterial macrofiber initiation
N H Mendelson1, J J Thwaites, J O Kessler
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721, USA.
Journal of Bacteriology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Bacillus subtilis filaments form macrofibers through twisting and folding. The study reveals distinct folding patterns and mechanical properties in left- and right-handed bacterial cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Bacillus subtilis forms complex multicellular structures called macrofibers.
- Understanding the self-assembly mechanisms of bacterial filaments is crucial for materials science and microbiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the twisting and folding dynamics of single Bacillus subtilis filaments during macrofiber formation.
- To characterize the structural variations and mechanical properties associated with different helical forms.
Main Methods:
- Observation and documentation of filament bending, loop formation, and winding into double-strand fibers.
- Measurement of loop rotation rates during the winding process.
- Analysis of folding topologies and resulting helical structures (two-, three-, and four-stranded).
Main Results:
- Distinct folding sequences were observed between FJ7 and RHX strains, and between left- and right-handed structures.
- Right-handed FJ7 predominantly formed four-stranded helices, while other forms yielded two double-stranded helical regions.
- Snap-open loop events provided insights into the forces generated by helical growth and cell filament material properties.
Conclusions:
- The mechanical behavior of growing filaments and multi-strand helices mirrors that of mature macrofibers.
- Macrofiber behavior can be explained by the growth and mechanical properties of individual cell filaments.