Connectivity of centermost chromatophores in Rhodobacter sphaeroides bacteria

• DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14077
• Publication Date: 2018-07-11T19:31:07Z
• Authors: Jade M. Noble; Johann Lubieniecki; Benjamin H. Savitzky; Jürgen Plitzko; Harald Engelhardt; Wolfgang Baumeister; Lena F. Kourkoutis
• Keywords: Rhodobacter sphaeroides; Rhodospirillaceae; Rhodospirillales

Summary The size of whole Rhodobacter sphaeroides prevents 3D visualization centermost chromatophores in their native environment. This study combines cryo‐focused ion beam milling with cryo‐electron tomography to probe vesicle architecture both situ and 3D. Developing are membrane‐bound buds that remain topological continuity the cytoplasmic membrane detach into vesicles when mature. Mature closest cell wall typically isolated vesicles, whereas either linked neighboring or contain smaller, budding structures. Isolated comprised a minority chromatophores. Connections between growing bacteria through ~10 nm‐long, ~5 nm‐wide linkers, thus physical rather than functional terms converting photons ATP. In cells stationary phase, fuse lose spherical structure, greatly increase volume. fusion morphological changes seen older likely consequence aging process, not representative connectivity healthy R. . Our results suggest can adopt connected morphologies within single bacterium. Revealing organization chromatophore throughout is an important step understanding photosynthetic mechanisms