Shapes that Escherichia coli Cells Can Achieve, as a Paradigm for Other Bacteria

Author: Koch, Arthur

Source: Critical Reviews in Microbiology, Volume 31, Number 3, July-September 2005 , pp. 183-190(8)

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Abstract:

Because the sacculi of Gram-negative rod-shaped cells are so thin, it is difficult to imagine how they grow and divide and maintain a characteristic shape and size. Abnormal cell shapes can be produced, under special conditions in Escherichia coli. These findings suggest a basis for the variety of bacterial shapes in terms of the Surface Stress Theory. Some proposals are presented to understand the form and function of rods, cocci, fusiform organisms, as well as other bacteria of other shapes using the molecular biology and physiology now known for E. coli .

Keywords: Escherichia coli; Surface Stress Theory; Rods; Cocci; Fusiform Organisms

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10408410590928504

Affiliations: 1: Biology Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA

Publication date: 2005-07-01

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