Nanometer-scale visualization and structural analysis of the inorganic/organic hybrid structure of Gallionella ferruginea twisted stalks.

ABSTRACT: The so-called Fe/Mn-oxidizing bacteria have long been recognized for their potential to form extracellular iron hydroxide or manganese oxide structures in aquatic environments. Bacterial species belonging to the genus Gallionella, one type of such bacteria, oxidize iron and produce uniquely twisted extracellular stalks consisting of iron oxide-encrusted inorganic/organic fibers. This paper describes the ultrastructure of Gallionella cells and stalks and the visualized structural and spatial localization of constitutive elements within the stalks. Electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis showed the export site of the stalk fibers from the cell and the uniform distribution of iron, silicon, and phosphorous in the stalks. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy revealed that t

SUBMITTER: Suzuki T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3126407 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature