Summary
Resting suspensions of Rhodospirillum rubrum exhibit a positive chemotaxis toward sulfhydryl compounds, ATP, ADP, and oxidizable organic substrates such as malate and yeast extract.
A negative chemotaxis is induced by various oxidizing substances, extremes of p h , and poisons (especially thiol inhibitors).
Positive aerotaxis, displayed in the dark, is inhibited by reducing substances and reversed by strong illumination.
Positive aerotaxis and phototaxis are augmented by organic compounds which serve as metabolic substrates; they are suppressed by ADP and ATP. Positive aerotaxis is suppressed by moderate illumination; phototaxis is suppressed by air.
These effects are discussed in terms of the hypothesis of Links that tactic responses are associated with a decrease in the energy available to the locomotor apparatus. A correlation of taxis with the level of oxidation of the electron transport system (cytochromes, etc.) fails. The possibility is discussed that taxis and motility are governed by a central, nerve-like coordinating system. An hypothesis similar to that of Links but embracing the possibility of central coordination of taxis is offered.
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Clayton, R.K. On the interplay of environmental factors affecting taxis and motility in Rhodospirillum rubrum. Archiv. Mikrobiol. 29, 189–212 (1958). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00409860
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00409860