Researchers have discovered a new form of flagella-mediated motility shown by symbiotic bacteria, which enables them to swim by wrapping their flagellar filaments around their cell bodies. This unique motility mechanism allows the bacteria to pass through narrow constricted passages and is essential for symbiotic relationships with bea...
Biophysicists visualized type IV pili (T4P) dynamics using optical microscopy, revealing asymmetric distribution triggered by blue light. T4P extension activated at the forward side of cells illuminated laterally with blue light, driving forward motion and navigation.
A team of scientists at Gakushuin University has developed a novel 'cross-kymography' method to visualize the rotation and morphology of archaella, which enables the direct observation of these structures for the first time. This breakthrough reveals new insights into the swimming mechanism of archaea.