Structure of the regular surface layer of Aquaspirillum serpens MW5

Abstract

The structure of the regular surface layer of Aquaspirillum serpens MW5 has been investigated by electon microscopy supplemented by computer image processing and least-squares analysis. The layer has a ribbed appearance, both on the bacterium and in isolated, negatively stained fragments. However, detailed analysis indicated that the layer was composed of two hexagonal sheets having p6mm symmetry and a = 16 nm. One sheet was staggered by one half repeat along a (1,0) line of the p6nm lattice relative to the second so that, in projection, the pattern of the composite layer was a translational moiré, characterized by a series of ribs spaced 16 nm apart. The ribbed layer had cmm symmetry with a = 32 nm and b = 18.5 nm. Analysis of this pattern indicated that the two p6nm hexagonal sheets were unevenly stained, and this was confirmed by using least-squares methods to simulate the observed pattern by combining two hexagonal patterns. The general structure of the layer was consistent with a role as a selective and protective barrier on the cell surface.