Prepared by : Kristina P.

Rizon MCB 101 F1L

1st sem, A.Y. 2011-2012 sem, 2011-

 long, thread-like appendage thread Provide motility  Composed of proteinic subunits flagellin  Rotation is driven by a proton motive force (flow of protons, ie:: H+ ions) ie

Factors affecting Flagellar Synthesis

 Temperature
 5 C lower than opt. temp for growth

 pH
 pH opt. for growth of flagella

 Presence of Ions
 metallic ions (Fe3+) binds w/ amino end of flagellin, blocking its assembly flagellin,

Factors affecting Flagellar Synthesis

 Oxygen
 needed for active movement of aerobes and facultative anaerobes

 Nutrients
 high nutrient reduces motility  glucose inhibits flagellar synthesis

Advantages: Advantages:  simple method to test motility  preserves cell shape & arrangement  allows for longer observation of living organisms.  doesn t involve vigorous physical & chemical treatment

Disadvantages: Disadvantages:  far too risky to use with highly pathogenic organisms  may not be able to differentiate if organism exhibits brownian movement only or true motility

Possible Results
 Brownian Movement  aimless, undirected movement caused by
bombardment of molecules  oscillating & quivering movements

 True Motility (+ result)

 cell swims and progresses from one point to another  brought about by organelles of locomotion

Possible Results
 Non-motile Non does not move at all/stationary moves a little forward & back but will not change its position in relation to neighboring cells

 a semi-solid agar/medium that semidetects indole formation, sulfide production & motility  contains casein peptone which contains amino acids including tryptophan

Requirements: Requirements:  must be semi-solid to permit bacteria semito move away from line of inoculation  must be able to support growth  should have low concentration of metabolizable substrates

Components: Components:  Tryptone

 amino acid source for growing bacteria

 Glycerol
 inc. hydration w/in cells for prolonged observation; to slow down metabolic activity

Components: Components:  EDTA (ethylenediaminetetracetic acid) (ethylenediaminetetracetic

 chelating agent that prevents cell clumping

 Phosphate buffer
 helps maintain constant pH

 bacto agar
 solidifying agent, reduces extraneous matter & salts

Advantages: Advantages:  semi-solid nature makes motility semipossible  useful for det. motility of pathogenic bacteria  culture of any age can be used for inoculation as long as pure & viable

Disadvantage: Disadvantage:  takes longer to provide results than the wet mount or hanging drop technique

Positive Results
 SIM

(by dropping)

 blackening may be observed if bacteria can reduce S to ferrous sulfide  turbidity (indicates growth) away from point of inoculation

Positive Results
 SIM

(by stabbing)

 bacteria grows around the stab line and radiate in all directions  will be able to penetrate the medium