Toward a hyperstructure taxonomy.
Bacterial cells contain many large, spatially extended assemblies of ions, molecules, and macromolecules, called hyperstructures, that are implicated in functions that range from DNA replication and cell division to chemotaxis and secretion. Interactions between these hyperstructures would create a level of organization intermediate between macromolecules and the cell itself. To explore this level, a taxonomy is needed. Here, we describe classification criteria based on the form of the hyperstructure and on the processes responsible for this form. These processes include those dependent on coupled transcription-translation, protein-protein affinities, chromosome site-binding by protein, and membrane structures. Various combinations of processes determine the formation, maturation, and demise of many hyperstructures that therefore follow a trajectory within the space of classification by form/process. Hence a taxonomy by trajectory may be desirable. Finally, we suggest that working toward a taxonomy based on speculative interactions between hyperstructures promises most insight into life at this level.
Norris
Vic
V
Department of Science, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont Saint Aignan Cedex, France. vjn@univ-rouen.fr
den Blaauwen
Tanneke
T
Doi
Roy H
RH
Harshey
Rasika M
RM
Janniere
Laurent
L
Jiménez-Sánchez
Alfonso
A
Jin
Ding Jun
DJ
Levin
Petra Anne
PA
Mileykovskaya
Eugenia
E
Minsky
Abraham
A
Misevic
Gradimir
G
Ripoll
Camille
C
Saier
Milton
M
Skarstad
Kirsten
K
Thellier
Michel
M
D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification* / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D001665:Binding Sites; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D001426:Bacterial Proteins