Mycoplasma mobile
Mycoplasma mobile | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Bacteria |
Phylum: | Mycoplasmatota |
Class: | Mollicutes |
Order: | Mycoplasmatales |
Family: | Mycoplasmataceae |
Genus: | Mycoplasma |
Species: | M. mobile
|
Binomial name | |
Mycoplasma mobile Kirchhoff et al. 1987[1]
|
Mycoplasma mobile is a species of parasitic bacteria that binds to the gills of freshwater fish causing
Structure
The M. mobile cell is divided into three parts: the head, neck, and body.[4] The proteins involved in gliding and adhesion, named Gli123, Gli349, and Gli521, are found at the neck. On the surface of M. mobile lies variable surface proteins (Mvsps) made up of 11 genes including mvspA and mvspP.[2] These proteins are considered to be involved in the parasitism of M. mobile. The lack of a peptidoglycan layer within M. mobile creates a flexible cell wall, enabling the bacterium to form a protrusion and glide in a smooth manner. As a result of this cell wall structure, M. mobile is the fastest moving mycoplasma species recorded.[2]
Gliding direction
Mycoplasma mobile moves in a gliding manner along a curved path in the direction of the cell protrusion, otherwise known as the cell pole.
Studies
Studies of M. mobile began in 1997, and new research is continually occurring.[3] Many studies involving the individual proteins on the surface of M. mobile have been conducted, however, a detailed image of the complete cell surface has yet to be produced.[4]