Dynamics of the Two Stator Systems in the Flagellar Motor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Studied by a Bead Assay
Zhengyu Wu, Maojin Tian, Rongjing Zhang, Junhua Yuan
Abstract
Cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa possess a single polar flagellum, driven by a rotatory motor powered by two sets of torque-generating units (stators). We developed a robust bead assay for studying the behavior of the flagellar motor in P. aeruginosa, by attaching a microsphere to shortened flagellar filament and using it as an indicator of motor rotation. Using this assay, we revealed the dynamics of the two stator systems in the flagellar motor and found that the motors in wild-type cells adjust the stator compositions according to the environment, resulting in an optimal performance in environmental exploration compared to that of mutants with one set of stators.
Topics & Concepts
Pseudomonas aeruginosaBeadDynamics (music)PseudomonadalesStatorPseudomonadaceaeMicrobiologyPseudomonasBiological systemFlagellumChemistryBiologyBacteriaPhysicsMaterials scienceGeneticsEngineeringAcousticsMechanical engineeringComposite materialLipid Membrane Structure and BehaviorPhotoreceptor and optogenetics researchMicro and Nano Robotics