The cell surface of Phytomonas davidi.
Carbohydrates were located on the surface of Phytomonas davidi using ultrastructural cytochemistry, and agglutination induced by lectins which bind to residues of mannose, N-acetylglucosamine, galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose and sialic acid. The surface charge of the cells was analysed by the binding of cationic particles (colloidal iron and cationized ferritin) to the cell surface and by cell electrophoretic mobility (EPM). Based on observations of binding of cationic particles to the cell surface; a decrease in the binding of these particles to the cell surface; a decrease in the mean EPM of the cells after their incubation in the presence of neuraminidase; and detection of N-acetylneuraminic acid by paper and gas-liquid chromatography, it was concluded that sialic acid residues are exposed on the surface of P. davidi. These residues may be glycolipids or are masked on the cell surface since only after brief trypsinization were the cells agglutinated by the lectin from Limulus polyphemus.
D000818:Animals; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis*; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000032:analysis*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000032:analysis; D037102:Lectins; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D014351:Trypanosomatina / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D002241:Carbohydrates; D037102:Lectins