Structural Insight into the Rotational Switching Mechanism of the Bacterial Flagellar Motor
2011
How Bacteria Change Direction
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Minamino T, Imada K, Kinoshita M, Nakamura S, Morimoto YV
Hypothesis
How do bacteria switch the direction of their flagellar motor rotation?
Conclusion
The study provides evidence that helix E acts as a molecular switch for the flagellar motor's rotation direction.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identifies helix E as the molecular switch for the flagellar motor's rotation.
- X-ray crystallography showed different conformations of wild-type and mutant FliG fragments.
- The hinge between helix E and FliGM is suggested to be crucial for switching rotation direction.
- The findings support a new model of cooperative switching in bacterial flagella.
Takeaway
Bacteria can quickly change direction by using a special part of their flagella that acts like a switch.
Methodology
The researchers compared wild-type and mutant FliG fragments using X-ray crystallography.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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