Thermosynechococcus switches the direction of phototaxis by a c-di-GMP dependent process with high spatial resolution

Many cyanobacteria, which use light as an energy source via photosynthesis, show directional movement towards or away from a light source. However, the molecular and cell biological mechanisms for switching the direction of movement remain unclear. Here, we visualized type IV pilus-dependent cell movement in the rod-shaped thermophilic cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus vulcanus using optical microscopy at physiological temperature and light conditions. Positive and negative phototaxis were controlled on a short time scale of 1 min. The cells smoothly moved over solid surfaces towards green light, but the direction was switched to backward movement when we applied additional blue light illumination. The switching was mediated by three photoreceptors, SesA, SesB and SesC, which have cyanobacteriochrome photosensory domains and synthesis/degradation activity of the bacterial second messenger cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP). Our results suggest that the decision-making process for directional switching in phototaxis involves light-dependent changes in the cellular concentration of c-di-GMP. Furthermore, we reveal that rod-shaped cells can move perpendicular to the light vector, indicating that the polarity can be controlled not only by pole-to-pole regulation but also within-a-pole regulation. This study provides insights into previously undescribed rapid bacterial polarity regulation via second messenger signalling with high spatial resolution.

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High spatial resolution AEM observations of yttrium segregation in chromia scales grown on Co-45%Cr

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100144103 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 44 ◽

pp. 518-519

Author(s):

K. Przybylski ◽

A. J. Garratt-Reed ◽

G. J. Yurek

Keyword(s):

Spatial Resolution ◽

Outer Surface ◽

Maximum Concentration ◽

High Spatial Resolution ◽

Reactive Elements ◽

Chromia Scales

The addition of so-called “reactive” elements such as yttrium to alloys is known to enhance the protective nature of Cr2O3 or Al2O3 scales. However, the mechanism by which this enhancement is achieved remains unclear. An A.E.M. study has been performed of scales grown at 1000°C for 25 hr. in pure O2 on Co-45%Cr implanted at 70 keV with 2x1016 atoms/cm2 of yttrium. In the unoxidized alloys it was calculated that the maximum concentration of Y was 13.9 wt% at a depth of about 17 nm. SIMS results showed that in the scale the yttrium remained near the outer surface.

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Integration of Core-Edge Spectroscopy Methods for the Study of Polymers

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s042482010016323x ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 54 ◽

pp. 154-155

Author(s):

E. G. Rightor

Keyword(s):

Excited State ◽

Polymer Blends ◽

Gas Phase ◽

Spatial Resolution ◽

High Spatial Resolution ◽

Electronic States ◽

Core Electron ◽

Bulk Solids ◽

Development Application

Core edge spectroscopy methods are versatile tools for investigating a wide variety of materials. They can be used to probe the electronic states of materials in bulk solids, on surfaces, or in the gas phase. This family of methods involves promoting an inner shell (core) electron to an excited state and recording either the primary excitation or secondary decay of the excited state. The techniques are complimentary and have different strengths and limitations for studying challenging aspects of materials. The need to identify components in polymers or polymer blends at high spatial resolution has driven development, application, and integration of results from several of these methods.

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