Abstract
Ovoid magnetotactic bacteria extracted from the Exeter River, New Hampshire, U. S. A., contain chains of 20–35 anisotropic magnetic inclusions running longitudinally in each of three lateral cell positions adjacent to the inner surface of the cytoplasmic membrane. The inclusions are bullet-shaped and have characteristic flattened end faces. Some particles show kinking and curvature in their morphology. In cross section the particles have a hexagonal shape. The length of the inclusions varies over a wide range (45–135 nm) with a mean value of 97.8 nm. In contrast, the width of the particles is restricted to a range of 30–45 nm with a mean value of 36.9 nm. Many particles are surrounded by an organic electrondense envelope. The crystallographic structure of the inclusions has been determined by electron diffraction and corresponds to the mineral magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ). The dimensions of the crystals fall within the magnetic single-domain range for magnetite and the magnetic moment of one cell is approximately 4 x 10 –12 emu (4 fJT –1 ).
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B. Biological Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
