Biology:Prosthecate bacteria
Prosthecate bacteria are a non-phylogenetically related group of Gram-negative bacteria that possess appendages, termed prosthecae. These cellular appendages, also known as stalks, are neither pili nor flagella, as they are extensions of the cellular membrane and contain cytosol.[1] One notable group of prosthecates is the genus Caulobacter.
Function of prostheca
Prosthecates are generally chemoorganotrophic aerobes that can grow in nutrient-poor habitats, being able to survive at nutrient levels on the order of parts-per-million for which reason they are often found in aquatic habitats. These bacteria will attach to surfaces with their prosthecae, allowing a greater surface area with which to take up nutrients (and release waste products).[1][2] Some prosthecates will grow in nutrient-poor soils as aerobic heterotrophs.
See also
External links
Poindexter, Jeanne S. Dimorphic Prosthecate Bacteria: The Genera Caulobacter, Asticcacaulis, Hyphomicrobium, Pedomicrobium, Hyphomonas and Thiodendron.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Madigan, Michael T., Martinko, John M. (2006). Brock Biology of Microorganisms (11th ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-196893-9.
- ↑ McAdams, Harley H. (2006-08-01). "Bacterial stalks are nutrient-scavenging antennas" (in en). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 103 (31): 11435–11436. doi:10.1073/pnas.0605027103. ISSN 0027-8424. PMID 16868078. Bibcode: 2006PNAS..10311435M.
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