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- Title
Crystalline bacterial cell surface layers.
- Authors
Sleytr, U B; Messner, P; Pum, D; Sára, M
- Abstract
Crystalline arrays of proteinaceous subunits forming surface layers (S-layers) are one of the most commonly observed prokaryotic cell envelope structures. They are ubiquitous amongst Gram-positive and Gram-negative archeaobacteria and eubacteria and, if present, account for the major protein species produced by the cells. S-layers can provide organisms with a selection advantage by providing various functions including protective coats, molecular sieves, ion traps and structures involved in cell surface interactions. S-layers were identified as contributing to virulence when present as a structural component of pathogens. In Gram-negative archaeobacteria they are involved in determining cell shape and cell division. The crystalline arrays reveal a broad-application potential in biotechnology, vaccine development and molecular nanotechnology.
- Publication
Molecular microbiology, 1993, Vol 10, Issue 5, p911
- ISSN
0950-382X
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2958.1993.tb00962.x