Cyanobacteria are a morphologically diverse group of phototrophic prokaryotes that are capable of a peculiar type of motility characterized as gliding. Gliding motility requires contact with a solid surface and occurs in a direction parallel to the long axis of the cell or filament. Although the mechanistic basis for gliding motility in cyanobacteria has not been established, recent ultrastructural work has helped to identify characteristic structural features that may play a role in this type of locomotion. Among these features are the distinct cell surfaces formed by specifically arranged protein fibrils and organelle-like structures, which may be involved in the secretion of mucilage during locomotion. The possible role of these ultrastructural features, as well as consequences for understanding the molecular basis of gliding motility in cyanobacteria, are the topic of this review.
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Similar content being viewed by others Explore related subjectsDiscover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning. Author information Authors and AffiliationsLaboratory of Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021-6399, USA, , , , ,
E. Hoiczyk
Electronic Publication
About this article Cite this articleHoiczyk, E. Gliding motility in cyanobacteria: observations and possible explanations. Arch Microbiol 174, 11–17 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002030000187
Received: 10 February 2000
Revised: 19 May 2000
Accepted: 26 May 2000
Issue Date: August 2000
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002030000187
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