Flagella-Dependent Motility Clause Samples

Flagella-Dependent Motility. One of the most widespread structures used by bacteria for motility is the flagellum, a membrane-bound propeller that is complex in its structure, assembly, and regulation. The flagellum is the best-studied structure used for motility, and flagellar motility is used by members of the Archaea and both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (95). Flagella drive translocation of individual cells through aqueous environments, called swimming (105). Whereas swimming is an individual endeavor, swarming is undertaken by a group of cells which collectively traverse solid surfaces using their rotating flagella (106). Flagellar motility requires the assembly of an intact flagellum which is produced in response to elegant gene regulation (107-109). Following assembly, flagellar rotation is influenced by chemotaxis (110). A few models for flagellar assembly, regulation, and chemotaxis exist for different classes of bacteria.