Biomaterial Database

On flagellar formation in Caulobacter crescentus: novel flagellin synthesis in stub-forming non-motile mutants of C. crescentus. 1984

S Koyasu

Defective flagellar organella, stubs, and flagellin synthesis by L-[35S]methionine labeling of two non-motile mutants of C. crescentus CB15 were studied. CB15 wild type synthesized two flagellin species, flagellin A of molecular weight 26,000 and flagellin B of molecular weight 28,000. A DNA phage phi0CbK-resistant non-motile mutant, CB15 pdr-816 [Fukuda et al. (1981) J. Bacteriol. 145, 559-572] did not synthesize flagellin B but synthesized large amounts of flagellin A and a novel flagellin of smaller molecular weight 22,000 (22K flagellin), and formed stubs composed of both flagellin A and 22K flagellin. The other mutant, CB15 fla-801 synthesized only 22K flagellin and formed very short stubs composed of 22K flagellin. Motile revertants were isolated from these mutants. Full revertants were isolated from CB15 fla-801 at a frequency of ca. 10(-7). However, only partial revertants swimming slowly were obtained from CB15 pdr-816 at a similar frequency. Such partial revertants synthesized only flagellin A and formed short flagella in spite of the fact that flagellin A was still synthesized at a higher level than in the wild type. Given the previous finding that flagellin B first polymerizes onto the hook followed by addition of flagellin A onto flagellin B filament [Koyasu et al. (1981) J. Mol. Biol. 153, 471-475], flagellin B seems very important in the formation of normal flagella in C. crescentus. A small amount of 22K flagellin was detected even in wild type cell. Neither conversion nor alteration was observed in flagellin A or B or 22K flagellin by short-pulse and pulse-chase experiments. It was thus suggested that 22K flagellin was not a degradation product formed from other flagellins but was of different origin from flagellins A and B. C. crescentus flagellins consist of several subspecies of different isoelectric points. 22K flagellin consisted of at least three subspecies, in two-dimensional gel, with more basic isoelectric points than other flagellins. Heterogeneity in isoelectric point of polymerized and nascent flagellins was similar, indicating that each subspecies of different isoelectric point can polymerize into filament, and that conversion between subspecies is not needed to form flagellar filament.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009068	Movement	The act, process, or result of passing from one place or position to another. It differs from LOCOMOTION in that locomotion is restricted to the passing of the whole body from one place to another, while movement encompasses both locomotion but also a change of the position of the whole body or any of its parts. Movement may be used with reference to humans, vertebrate and invertebrate animals, and microorganisms. Differentiate also from MOTOR ACTIVITY, movement associated with behavior.	Movements
D009154	Mutation	Any detectable and heritable change in the genetic material that causes a change in the GENOTYPE and which is transmitted to daughter cells and to succeeding generations.	Mutations
D010641	Phenotype	The outward appearance of the individual. It is the product of interactions between genes, and between the GENOTYPE and the environment.	Phenotypes
D004586	Electrophoresis	An electrochemical process in which macromolecules or colloidal particles with a net electric charge migrate in a solution under the influence of an electric current.	Electrophoreses
D005407	Flagella	A whiplike motility appendage present on the surface cells. Prokaryote flagella are composed of a protein called FLAGELLIN. Bacteria can have a single flagellum, a tuft at one pole, or multiple flagella covering the entire surface. In eukaryotes, flagella are threadlike protoplasmic extensions used to propel flagellates and sperm. Flagella have the same basic structure as CILIA but are longer in proportion to the cell bearing them and present in much smaller numbers. (From King & Stansfield, A Dictionary of Genetics, 4th ed)	Flagellum
D005408	Flagellin	A protein with a molecular weight of 40,000 isolated from bacterial flagella. At appropriate pH and salt concentration, three flagellin monomers can spontaneously reaggregate to form structures which appear identical to intact flagella.
D006090	Gram-Negative Bacteria	Bacteria which lose crystal violet stain but are stained pink when treated by Gram's method.	Gram Negative Bacteria
D001426	Bacterial Proteins	Proteins found in any species of bacterium.	Bacterial Gene Products,Bacterial Gene Proteins,Gene Products, Bacterial,Bacterial Gene Product,Bacterial Gene Protein,Bacterial Protein,Gene Product, Bacterial,Gene Protein, Bacterial,Gene Proteins, Bacterial,Protein, Bacterial,Proteins, Bacterial
D001435	Bacteriophages	Viruses whose hosts are bacterial cells.	Phages,Bacteriophage,Phage
D001704	Biopolymers	Polymers synthesized by living organisms. They play a role in the formation of macromolecular structures and are synthesized via the covalent linkage of biological molecules, especially AMINO ACIDS; NUCLEOTIDES; and CARBOHYDRATES.	Bioplastics,Bioplastic,Biopolymer