English (United Kingdom)

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/featured_content/oa?rat=en

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/highlighted_journal/

Global: Zendy Plus annual

Presents the access of premium content as premium feature

Premium Content

Presents the keyphrase highlighting as premium feature

Keyphrase Highlighting

Presents the summarisation as premium feature

Summarisation

Insights

Presents the pdf analysis as premium feature

PDF Analysis

Presents the zaia usage as premium feature

ZAIA

Global: Zendy Plus monthly

Global: Zendy Tools annual

Global: Zendy Tools monthly

Global: Zendy Free Plan

Abstract Background Many bacteria swim by rotating helical flagellar filaments [<abbr bid="B1">1</abbr>]. Waterbury et al. [<abbr bid="B15">15</abbr>] discovered an exception, strains of the cyanobacterium <it>Synechococcus</it> that swim without flagella or visible changes in shape. Other species of cyanobacteria glide on surfaces [<abbr bid="B2">2</abbr>,<abbr bid="B7">7</abbr>]. The hypothesis that <it>Synechococcus</it> might swim using traveling surface waves [<abbr bid="B6">6</abbr>,<abbr bid="B13">13</abbr>] prompted this investigation. Results Using quick-freeze electron microscopy, we have identified a crystalline surface layer that encloses the outer membrane of the motile strain <it>Synechococcus</it> sp. WH8113, the components of which are arranged in a rhomboid lattice. Spicules emerge in profusion from the layer and extend up to 150 nm into the surrounding fluid. These spicules also send extensions inwards to the inner cell membrane where motility is powered by an ion-motive force [<abbr bid="B17">17</abbr>]. Conclusion The envelope structure of <it>Synechococcus</it> sp. WH8113 provides new constraints on its motile mechanism. The spicules are well positioned to transduce energy at the cell membrane into mechanical work at the cell surface. One model is that an unidentified motor embedded in the cell membrane utilizes the spicules as oars to generate a traveling wave external to the surface layer in the manner of ciliated eukaryotes.</p

Envelope structure of Synechococcus sp. WH8113, a nonflagellated swimming cyanobacterium.