title: Toward a hyperstructure taxonomy.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Science, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont Saint Aignan Cedex, France. vjn@univ-rouen.fr
authors: Vic
authors: V
authors: Norris
authors: Tanneke
authors: T
authors: den Blaauwen
authors: Roy H
authors: RH
authors: Doi
authors: Rasika M
authors: RM
authors: Harshey
authors: Laurent
authors: L
authors: Janniere
authors: Alfonso
authors: A
authors: Jiménez-Sánchez
authors: Ding Jun
authors: DJ
authors: Jin
authors: Petra Anne
authors: PA
authors: Levin
authors: Eugenia
authors: E
authors: Mileykovskaya
authors: Abraham
authors: A
authors: Minsky
authors: Gradimir
authors: G
authors: Misevic
authors: Camille
authors: C
authors: Ripoll
authors: Milton
authors: M
authors: Saier
authors: Kirsten
authors: K
authors: Skarstad
authors: Michel
authors: M
authors: Thellier
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins