Factors contributing to helical shape determination and maintenance in Bacillus subtilis macrofibres.
Bacillus subtilis, normally a rod-shaped organism, can grow in the form of a helix with pitch ranging over a spectrum from tight right-handed to tight left-handed depending upon the growth environment and genetic composition of the strain. Five factors have been identified which contribute either to the helical shape deformation or its maintenance: 1) a biomechanical component involving blocked rotation during growth; 2) cell wall polymer conformation; 3) a protein(s) concerned with the left-hand form produced at high temperature; 4) electrostatic aspects of the cell wall; and 5) water, as it affects the mechanical properties of cell walls and the structure of cell wall polymers. The findings are compatible with a model in which the cell wall polymers are inserted in helical orientation along the cylindrical portion of the cell during growth.
D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D006358:Hot Temperature; D009024:Morphogenesis; D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water