ISSN:
1574-6968
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
The adhesion of the marine α-Proteobacteria Sulfitobacter pontiacus, Sulfitobacter mediterraneus, Sulfitobacter brevis, and Staleya guttiformis to a poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) (Pt BMA) polymeric surface generates unusual cell morphological peculiarities following attachment. While the type strains S. pontiacus and S. brevis failed to attach to Pt BMA, the vegetative cells of type strain S. mediterraneus underwent morphological conversion into coccoid forms during the attachment over an incubation period of 24–72 h. Type strain St. guttiformis cells formed a multilayered biofilm on the Pt BMA surface, presumably facilitated by bacterial production of extracellular polysaccharides. The attachment behavior and fine structure of these coccoid forms have been described using atomic force microscopy. The impact of polymeric surfaces of defined hydrophobicity on the formation of coccoid bodies is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-6968.2002.tb11343.x
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