CYTOSKELETON
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Until very
recently, scientists thought that the shape of all bacteria was completely
determined by the peptidoglycan layer (cell wall). Although this is true of
many bacteria, particularly the cocci.
—
Other bacteria
produce long polymers of a protein called Actin and Tubulin, arranged in
helical ribbons around the cell just under the cell membrane.
—
These fibers
contribute to cell shape, perhaps by influencing the way peptidoglycan is
manufactured, and also function in cell division.
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The fibers have
been found in rod-shaped and spiral bacteria.
—
The
Cytoskeleton provides support and shape and assists in transporting substances
through the cell.
Figure
– 11.1: Bacterial cytoskeleton (The actin fibers in these rod-shaped bacteria
are Fluorescently stained)
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