Prosthecate bacteria
Encyclopedia
Prosthecate bacteria are a non-phylogenetically related group of Gram-negative
bacteria that possess appendages, termed prosthecae. These cellular appendages are neither pili
nor flagella, as they are extensions of the cellular membrane and contain cytosol
. One notable group of prosthecates is the genus Caulobacter.
ic aerobes that can grow in nutrient-poor habitats, being able to survive at nutrient levels on the order of parts-per-million - for which reason they are often found in aquatic habitats. These bacteria will attach to surfaces with their prosthecae, allowing a greater surface area with which to take up nutrients (and release waste products). Some prosthecates will grow in nutrient-poor soils as aerobic heterotrophs.
Gram-negative
Gram-negative bacteria are bacteria that do not retain crystal violet dye in the Gram staining protocol. In a Gram stain test, a counterstain is added after the crystal violet, coloring all Gram-negative bacteria with a red or pink color...
bacteria that possess appendages, termed prosthecae. These cellular appendages are neither pili
Pilus
right|thumb|350px|Schematic drawing of bacterial conjugation. 1- Donor cell produces pilus. 2- Pilus attaches to recipient cell, brings the two cells together. 3- The mobile plasmid is nicked and a single strand of DNA is then transferred to the recipient cell...
nor flagella, as they are extensions of the cellular membrane and contain cytosol
Cytosol
The cytosol or intracellular fluid is the liquid found inside cells, that is separated into compartments by membranes. For example, the mitochondrial matrix separates the mitochondrion into compartments....
. One notable group of prosthecates is the genus Caulobacter.
Metabolism
Prosthecates are generally chemoorganotrophChemoorganotroph
Chemoorganotrophs are organisms which use organic compounds as their energy source. These organic chemicals include glucose and acetate. All animals are chemoorganotrophs, as are fungi, protozoa, and some bacteria. Indeed, most heterotrophs are chemoorganotrophs. However, chemolithotrophs instead...
ic aerobes that can grow in nutrient-poor habitats, being able to survive at nutrient levels on the order of parts-per-million - for which reason they are often found in aquatic habitats. These bacteria will attach to surfaces with their prosthecae, allowing a greater surface area with which to take up nutrients (and release waste products). Some prosthecates will grow in nutrient-poor soils as aerobic heterotrophs.