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ATPase and cytochrome oxidase activities at the polar organelle in swarm cells of Sphaerotilus natans: an ultrastructural study

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Abstract

The polar organelle of bacteria presumably is part of the flagellar apparatus. In order to characterize this structure, cytochemical studies on Sphaerotilus natans have been performed.

Marked ATPase activity is associated with the inner boundary layer and central layer of this organelle. The spaces between the boundary layers and the central layer of the polar organelle which are traversed by fine fibrilles are positive for reactions with diaminobenzidine. This indicates cytochrome oxidase activity.

S. natans possesses a ribbon-like, helically shaped polar organelle which is divided concomitantly with cell fission, possibly explaining inheritance of this structure and of the flagellar apparatus.

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Author notes

  1. H.-D. Tauschel

    Present address: Dept. Cell Biology and Microbiology, Goedecke Research Institue, Mooswaldallee 1-9, D-7800, Freiburg i. Br., Federal Republic of Gemany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Biologie II (Mikrobiologie) der Universität Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-7800, Freiburg, Federal Republic of Gemany

    H.-D. Tauschel

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  1. H.-D. Tauschel
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Dedicated to Prof. G. Drews on occasion of his 60th birthday

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Tauschel, HD. ATPase and cytochrome oxidase activities at the polar organelle in swarm cells of Sphaerotilus natans: an ultrastructural study. Arch. Microbiol. 141, 303–308 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00428841

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00428841

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