Ultrastructural characterization of the prokaryotic symbiosis in "Chlorochromatium aggregatum".

ABSTRACT: The phototrophic consortium "Chlorochromatium aggregatum" currently represents the most highly developed interspecific association of bacteria and consists of green sulfur bacteria, so-called epibionts, surrounding a central, motile, chemotrophic bacterium. In order to identify subcellular structures characteristic of this symbiosis, consortia were studied by a combination of high-resolution analytical scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and three-dimensional reconstruction and image analyses. Epibionts are interconnected and to a lesser extent are also connected with the central bacterium, by electron-dense, hair-like filaments. In addition, numerous periplasmic tubules extend from the outer membrane of the central bacterium and are in direct contact with the o

SUBMITTER: Wanner G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2394997 | biostudies-literature | 2008 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature