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R N Doetsch

Publications and source records attributed to R N Doetsch.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1983

Invited review: bacterial flagellar sheaths: structures in search of a function.

Although bacterial flagellar sheaths were observed over 30 years ago, they may still be characterized as structures in search of a function. In addition to true sheaths, bacterial flagella may possess other adornments that cause an increase in the organelle's cross-sectional diameter. These "complex flagella" are sharply differentiated from sheathed flagella. Immunological and chemical distinctions have been found between flagellar sheaths, flagellar cores, and LPS layers inferred to be the sheath sensu stricto. Although complex flagella may serve as specific receptors for flagellotropic phages or in allowing for more efficient swimming in viscous environments, similar functions have not yet been attributed to true sheaths. It is postulated that flagellar sheaths may allow for specific interaction between a bacterium and a surface. In addition, there is a problem as to the relationship between a rapidly rotating flagellum and the sheath.

Antigens, Bacterial↗
PubMed1978

'Viscotaxis', a new behavioural response of Leptospira interrogans (biflexa) strain B16.

When in a non-viscous environment and confronted with a viscous one, Leptospira interrogans (biflexa) strain B16 preferentially selected the latter. We have designated this positive response to a viscosity gradient as 'viscotaxis'. Using an originally designed experimental chamber, a pool of leptospires were faced with capillary tubes containing either polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulphonic acid (HEPES). Leptospires suspended in HEPES responded positively to 2% (w/v) PVP in capillaries, and migrated into them in large numbers in 1 h. No response was observed when the chamber and capillary tubes contained solutions of the same viscosity. As the viscosity of PVP was increased, a proportionally larger number of leptospires migrated into it. This newly observed aspect of leptospiral behaviour may have ecological significance.

Culture Media↗
PubMed1977

Temperature effects on bacterial movement.

Details are presented for the construction of a simple precision temperature-controlled chamber for investigating bacterial motile behavior. Independent of original incubation temperature, all species of motile bacteria observed showed a five- to sevenfold increase in average translational velocity (micrometers per second) as the environment temperature was incremented over the range from 10 to 50 degrees C. Temperature jumps downward produced transient tumbling or reciprocal behavior responses, depending on the mode of flagellar distribution, in all species examined. Upward temperature jumps induced accelerated velocities without tumbling or reversal. A partial capacity adaptation to temperature was noted, in that the greatest average translational velocity at any given observation temperature occurred when the organisms were grown at temperatures less than the optimum.

Adaptation, Biological↗
PubMed1976

The effects of alkalinity and hypertonicity on the morphology and motility of Leptospira interrogans (biflexa) strain B16.

Effects of alkalinity and hypertonicity on the motile behaviour of Leptospira interrogans (biflexa) B16 were observed, quantified, and compared with effects previously shown by similar factors on the motility of eubacteria. Leptospira interrogans tolerated relatively high concentrations of hydroxide ions. Motility similar to that in controls was observed at pH values up to 9-8; but at pH 10-0 motility declined sharply with time of exposure, and there was structural alteration, visible as a blebbing of the cell envelope. Unlike the behaviour of eubacteria, immobilization of L. interrogans induced by hydroxide ions could not be reversed by lowering the pH. It is suggested that by restricting entry of hydroxide ions, the cell envelope protects its motility apparatus from adverse effects. Leptospira interrogans was completely immobilized in 0-5 M and 1-0 M-sucrose solutions. Unlike the eubacteria, leptospires were incapable of spontaneous reversion to motile forms and resumption of motility was dependent on both concentration and time of exposure to sucrose. Deuterium oxide did not affect movement, suggesting that even though leptospire endoflagella and the exoflagella of eubacteria are analogous, the motile behaviour of L. interrogans is significantly different from that of eubacteria.

Culture Media↗
PubMed1974

Effect of viscosity on bacterial motility.

The behavior of a number of motile flagellated bacteria toward viscosity characteristics of their fluid environments was observed. All showed an increase in velocity (micrometers per second) in more viscous solutions. Velocity reached a maximum at a characteristic value, however, and thereafter decreased with higher viscosities. Peritrichously flagellated bacteria had maximum velocities at higher viscosities than polarly flagellated bacteria. Effects of temperature, and possible utilization of chemical constituents in the viscous solutions, were studied and found to be negligible factors under the experimental conditions used. Different agents produced the same phenomenon, thus indicating that there probably were no chemically induced metabolic effects. Loss of available water and the possibility of a variable energy supply to the flagellar propulsive system were considered but are believed minimal. Theoretically derived thermodynamic equations were utilized and suggest that the conformation of the flagellar helix affects efficiency of propulsion. Such a relationship between helix waveform and velocity was experimentally observed with Thiospirillum jenese.

Bacillus megaterium↗