Molecular mechanisms of magnetosome formation.
Magnetotactic bacteria are a diverse group of microorganisms with the ability to use geomagnetic fields for direction sensing. This unique feat is accomplished with the help of magnetosomes, nanometer-sized magnetic crystals surrounded by a lipid bilayer membrane and organized into chains via a dedicated cytoskeleton within the cell. Because of the special properties of these magnetic crystals, magnetotactic bacteria have been exploited for a variety of applications in diverse disciplines from geobiology to biotechnology. In addition, magnetosomes have served as a powerful model system for the study of biomineralization and cell biology in bacteria. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of magnetosome formation and magnetite biomineralization.
Komeili
Arash
A
Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA. komeili@nature.berkeley.edu
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D005075:Biological Evolution; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D002479:Inclusion Bodies / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D008280:Magnetics; D042201:Magnetospirillum / Q000145:classification / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide