27 Myxococcus xanthus: Cultivation, Motility, and Development

摘要: This chapter presents a description of methods for cultivation Myxococcus xanthus laboratory strains, as well specific protocols analysis motility and development. Here the authors attempt to cover representative techniques, mention variations only occasionally. In nature, communities M. reside in soil on decaying plant material or herbivore dung obtain nutrients by secreting digestive enzymes (such proteases lysozyme) digest macromolecules from prey microorganisms organic matter. Initiation developmental program resulting fruiting body formation requires (i) nutrient limitation, (ii) solid surface, (iii) sufficient population density. Fruiting morphology timing are greatly dependent medium surface. Therefore, media development should be prepared day before plates cured (prewarmed) incubating with lids cracked open at least 20 min 32oC just use. powers its movement over surfaces using two genetically distinct systems. Social (S) motility—the coordinated cells large groups—predominates soft moist is directly mediated extension retraction polar type IV pili. Adventurous (A) single isolated cells—predominates harder drier has been proposed based either jet engine-like extrusion carbohydrate slime, twisting inching-like motion part cell, intracellular motors pushing against dynamic focal adhesion points within cell.