6/19/2023 0 Comments Bacteria shapes and sizes![]() ![]() Here, we review the molecular determinants underlying morphology, discuss the evidence linking bacterial morphology to niche adaptation and pathogenesis, and examine the potential of morphological determinants as antimicrobial targets. ![]() ![]() Accumulating evidence supports critical roles of morphogenetic processes in bacteria-host interactions, including pathogenesis. Some morphological determinants act as a cytoskeleton to guide biosynthetic complexes spatiotemporally, whereas others modify the PG sacculus after biosynthesis. The species-specific shape of the PG sacculus at any time in the cell cycle is the product of multiple determinants. Bacterial morphology is ultimately dictated by the net-like peptidoglycan (PG) sacculus. Although the characteristic shape of a bacterial species remains unchanged for vast numbers of generations, periodical variations occur throughout the cell (division) and life cycles, and these variations can be influenced by environmental conditions. Shape affects critical biological functions, including nutrient acquisition, motility, dispersion, stress resistance and interactions with other organisms. Specific shapes are the consequence of adaptive pressures optimizing bacterial fitness. 2Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spainīacterial morphology is extremely diverse.1Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. ![]()
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