Frequency and structure of spinae on Chlorobium spp. |
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Authors: | Joanna S Brooke Joel B Thompson Terrance J Beveridge Susan F Koval |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, N6A 5C1 London, Ontario, Canada;(2) Department of Microbiology, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1 Guelph, Ontario, Canada |
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Abstract: | Several Chlorobium species have been observed to possess spinae. Spinae are non-prosthecate, helically wound, rigid structures that extend from the outer bacterial cell surface into the external environment. Spinae length was variable within and between Chlorobium species. Spinae width was fairly consistent within species but varied between species (39.4 ± 2.6 nm to 82.6 ± 8.0 nm). The number of spinae per cell varied. The spinae did not penetrate the bacterial cell envelope and were randomly located on the cell surface. Spinae were not geographically restricted. The observation of spinae on pure cultures of Chlorobium spp. maintained for 25–30 years suggests that spinae may be of significant use to the cell. |
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Keywords: | Chlorobiaceae Spinae Chlorobium Ultrastructure |
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