Bacterial and Archael Inclusions
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-15-2011
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
School
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Abstract
Bacterial inclusions can be defined as discrete structures seen within the confines of prokaryotic cells, generally intracytoplasmic, but in some instances in the periplasmic region of the cell. Inclusions function as metabolic reserves, cell positioners, or as metabolic organelles. Some inclusions may contribute to more than on eof these functions. Those that function as metabolic reserves are glycogen, polyhydrosyalkanoate, wax ester, triacylglycerol, cyanophycin, and polyphosphate granules, and sulfure globules. These reserves are commonly accumulated in response to a nutrient imbalance, for example, under conditions of excess carbon/energy. Magnetosomes and gas vesicles contribute to cell mobility thereby assisting the cells in attaining nutrient and/or redox needs. Carboxysomes, containing the enzyme ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, and chlorosomes, sacs of self-aggregated bacterriochlorophyll are carbon-fixing and light-harvesting organelles, respectively.
Recommended Citation
Shively, J. M.,
Cannon, G. C.,
Heinhorst, S.,
Bryant, D. A.,
DasSarma, S.,
Bazylinksi, D.,
Preiss, J.,
Steinbüchel, A.,
Docampo, R.,
Dahl, C.
(2011). Bacterial and Archael Inclusions. .
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/21042