Prosthecate bacteria are a non-phylogenetically related group of Gram-negative bacteria that possess appendages, termed prosthecae. These cellular appendages, also known as stalks, are neither pili nor flagella, as they are extensions of the cellular membrane and contain cytosol.[1] One notable group of prosthecates is the genus Caulobacter.

Function of prostheca

Prosthecates are generally chemoorganotrophic aerobes that can grow in nutrient-poor habitats, being able to survive at nutrient levels on the order of parts-per-million for which reason they are often found in aquatic habitats. These bacteria will attach to surfaces with their prosthecae, allowing a greater surface area with which to take up nutrients (and release waste products).[1][2] Some prosthecates will grow in nutrient-poor soils as aerobic heterotrophs.

See also

Oligotrophic

Poindexter, Jeanne S. Dimorphic Prosthecate Bacteria: The Genera Caulobacter, Asticcacaulis, Hyphomicrobium, Pedomicrobium, Hyphomonas and Thiodendron.

References

  1. 1 2 Madigan, Michael T., Martinko, John M. (2006). Brock Biology of Microorganisms (11th ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-196893-9.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ↑ McAdams, Harley H. (2006-08-01). "Bacterial stalks are nutrient-scavenging antennas". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 103 (31): 11435–11436. Bibcode:2006PNAS..10311435M. doi:10.1073/pnas.0605027103. ISSN 0027-8424. PMC 1544186. PMID 16868078.
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