Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 6.9.
Cell architecture of
M. mobile
. Four proteins involved in gliding mech-
anisms are localized near the cell membrane, and aligned at the cell neck forming
450 units per cell. Gli349, the plausible leg protein, sticks out from the C-terminal
region; its distal end can bind to sialic acid fixed on the solid surface. The gliding
units are supported from inside the cell by the jellyfish-like structure recently iden-
tified, as presented in the top illustration. The jellyfish structure is composed of
latticed solid “head” part and flexible strings attached with particles about 20nm
in diameter. (See color insert.)
