Name: how bacteria stick, share genes, and move
Uploaded: 2025-06-12T09:31:02.000Z
Duration: 1 min 28 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Virginia  Standards of Learning

HIgh School

Biology

BIO.4

BIO.4.c

Fimbriae, Pili, and Axial Filaments

Las fimbrias y los pili son apéndices delgados, parecidos a pelos, generalmente de 2 a 10 nanómetros de diámetro, hechos de proteína pilina y se extienden desde la superficie de la célula bacteriana.Las fimbrias permiten que las células bacterianas se adhieran a las superficies disponibles, lo que permite la formación de biopelículas.También ayudan a las bacterias a adherirse a sus células huésped, facilitando la colonización y el establecimiento de infecciones, como se observa en patógenos como Neisseria gonorrhoeae.Los pilios son generalmente más largos y menos numerosos que las fimbrias.Los pili también contribuyen a la adhesión, permitiendo que bacterias patógenas como Pseudomonas aeruginosa se adhieran a sus células huésped.Los pili también ayudan en la conjugación bacteriana, donde los pili especializados, conocidos como pili sexuales o pili conjugativos, facilitan la transferencia de material genético entre las células bacterianas.Los pili de tipo IV, otro pilus especializado, están involucrados en la motilidad de los espasmos, lo que permite que las bacterias se muevan a lo largo de las superficies.Los filamentos axiales, o endoflagelos, que se encuentran en las espiroquetas, como el Treponema pallidum, se encuentran dentro del espacio periplásmico.Estos filamentos axiales permiten que las espiroquetas se muevan con un movimiento similar al de un sacacorchos, lo que les permite moverse de manera eficiente a través de entornos viscosos como los fluidos corporales.

fimbrias, pili y filamentos axiales

Las fimbrias y los pili son estructuras especializadas en la superficie bacteriana que desempe&#241;an roles fundamentales en la adhesi&#243;n, el intercambio gen&#233;tico y la motilidad. Compuestas principalmente por la prote&#237;na pilina, estos ap&#233;ndices similares a cabellos son cruciales para la supervivencia bacteriana y su patogenicidad en diversos entornos.
Fimbrias: adhesi&#243;n y patogenicidad
Las fimbrias son estructuras finas y filamentosas que miden entre 2-10 nan&#243;metros de di&#225;metro y se distribuyen de manera densa en la superficie celular bacteriana. Facilitan la adhesi&#243;n de las bacterias a superficies abi&#243;ticas y tejidos del hu&#233;sped, lo cual es un paso esencial en la colonizaci&#243;n y el establecimiento de infecciones. Por ejemplo, Neisseria gonorrhoeae y Escherichia coli utilizan las fimbrias para anclarse a las c&#233;lulas epiteliales, contribuyendo a enfermedades como la gonorrea y las infecciones del tracto urinario. Esta capacidad adhesiva resalta la importancia de las fimbrias en las interacciones hu&#233;sped-pat&#243;geno y en la virulencia bacteriana.
Pili: intercambio gen&#233;tico y motilidad
Los pili son generalmente m&#225;s largos y menos numerosos que las fimbrias, y cumplen funciones especializadas m&#225;s all&#225; de la adhesi&#243;n. Los pili conjugativos, o pili sexuales, permiten el intercambio horizontal de material gen&#233;tico entre c&#233;lulas bacterianas a trav&#233;s de un proceso conocido como conjugaci&#243;n. Este mecanismo es crucial para la diseminaci&#243;n de material gen&#233;tico, incluidos los genes de resistencia a los antibi&#243;ticos, dentro de las poblaciones bacterianas.
Los pili tipo IV son particularmente vers&#225;tiles, participando en la motilidad tipo twitching, un movimiento err&#225;tico y de arrastre que ayuda a las bacterias a navegar sobre superficies s&#243;lidas. Estos pili tambi&#233;n mejoran la colonizaci&#243;n del hu&#233;sped en pat&#243;genos como Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Vibrio cholerae, donde su doble funci&#243;n en motilidad y adhesi&#243;n promueve la infecci&#243;n y la formaci&#243;n de biofilm.
Filamentos axiales: motilidad en espiroquetas
En las espiroquetas, los filamentos axiales, o endoflagelos, est&#225;n ubicados dentro del espacio peripl&#225;smico, lo que permite un movimiento distintivo en forma de sacacorchos. Este movimiento, impulsado por la rotaci&#243;n de los filamentos, permite que pat&#243;genos como Treponema pallidum y Borrelia burgdorferi atraviesen entornos viscosos, como los fluidos corporales. Esta motilidad &#250;nica es un factor clave en las propiedades invasivas de estos organismos, facilitando su supervivencia y diseminaci&#243;n dentro de los tejidos del hu&#233;sped. En conjunto, las fimbrias, los pili y los filamentos axiales ilustran la adaptabilidad de las estructuras bacterianas de superficie al apoyar la adhesi&#243;n, la movilidad y el intercambio gen&#233;tico, que son fundamentales para su &#233;xito ecol&#243;gico y potencial patog&#233;nico.

Fimbrias, pili y filamentos axiales

Las fimbrias y los pili son estructuras especializadas en la superficie bacteriana que desempe&#241;an roles fundamentales en la adhesi&#243;n, el ...

Education

Educación

JoVE Core

Microbiology

Microbiología

Unit

Unidad

Microbial Cell Structure and Function        

Estructura y función de la célula microbiana

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

TÉRMINOS Y CONCEPTOS CLAVE

how bacteria stick, share genes, and move

Fimbriae, pili, and axial filaments are bacterial surface structures that help cells attach, exchange genes, and move. These hairlike appendages are made mainly of pilin protein. They support bacterial survival in different environments and can also increase pathogenicity.

Fimbriae are fine, filament-like structures that are densely packed on the bacterial surface. They are about 2 to 10 nanometers wide and help bacteria attach to nonliving surfaces and to host tissues. This adhesion is an important first step in colonization and infection. Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Escherichia coli use fimbriae to bind to epithelial cells, which is linked to gonorrhea and urinary tract infections.

Pili are usually longer and less numerous than fimbriae. Some pili, called conjugative pili or sex pili, help bacteria carry out conjugation, a process in which genetic material moves from one cell to another. This horizontal gene transfer can spread antibiotic-resistant genes through bacterial populations. Type IV pili have another role as well. They help bacteria move by twitching motility, a jerky crawling motion on solid surfaces.

Type IV pili also help some pathogens attach to host cells. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio cholerae, this support for both movement and adhesion can aid colonization and biofilm formation. Biofilms are groups of bacteria that stick together on a surface. These traits make pili important for infection and survival.

Axial filaments, also called endoflagella, are found in spirochetes. They sit inside the periplasmic space, which is the area between the cell membrane layers. Their rotation creates a corkscrew-like motion that helps the cells move through thick fluids. Treponema pallidum and Borrelia burgdorferi use this kind of movement to travel through bodily fluids and spread within host tissues.

Together, fimbriae, pili, and axial filaments show how bacteria use surface structures for attachment, motion, and gene exchange. These features help microbes adapt to their surroundings and strengthen their ability to cause disease.

How Bacteria Stick, Share Genes, and Move

prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells

Cell Organization in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells show two major patterns of cell organization. These differences shape the structure, size, and function of living things across the domains of life. Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria and archaea, are simple in structure. They do not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA is usually a single circular molecule found in the nucleoid region, which is not surrounded by a nuclear membrane. Prokaryotes are usually very small, about 0.1 to 5.0...

microbial morphologies 

Microbial Shapes and Cell Forms

Microbial shapes and cell forms help bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotic microbes survive in many environments. Cell shape affects how these organisms grow, take up nutrients, and handle waste. It also reflects the link between structure and function. Among bacteria, cocci and bacilli are the most common shapes. Cocci are spherical cells, and they may appear alone or in pairs called diplococci, chains called streptococci, clusters called staphylococci, or groups of four called tetrads. Bacilli...

bacterial cell wall 

Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Walls

Bacterial cell walls give bacteria their shape and help protect them from osmotic stress. This rigid but flexible layer surrounds the plasma membrane and supports cellular integrity. Its main building block is peptidoglycan, a mesh-like polymer that adds strength while still allowing some flexibility. Peptidoglycan is made of alternating N-acetylglucosamine, or NAG, and N-acetylmuramic acid, or NAM. Short amino acid chains connect these sugar units and help form the strong network. The...

archaeal cell wall

Archaeal Cell Wall Types and Functions

Archaeal cell walls protect archaea and help them survive in extreme environments. Unlike bacterial cell walls, they do not have the peptidoglycan layer found in most bacteria. Instead, archaea use a range of materials, including proteins, polysaccharides, and pseudomurein, to build their outer layer. The most common archaeal cell wall is the S-layer, or surface layer. It is made of tightly packed protein or glycoprotein units that form a crystalline lattice. These repeating patterns can make...

peptidoglycan synthesis

Building the Bacterial Cell Wall

Peptidoglycan builds the bacterial cell wall and gives the cell its shape and strength. It is a mesh-like polymer around the bacterial plasma membrane. The polymer is made of repeating sugar units, N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM), linked by β-1,4 glycosidic bonds. Short peptide chains cross-link the sugar chains and make the wall more rigid. Peptidoglycan biosynthesis starts in the cytoplasm with soluble precursors. Uridine diphosphate, or UDP, binds to NAG and NAM to...

plasma membrane in bacteria and archaea

Bacterial vs Archaeal Membrane Lipids

Bacterial and archaeal plasma membranes control what enters and leaves the cell. They also help maintain cell integrity. Although both membranes do the same basic job, their structures are different because bacteria and archaea face different environmental demands. Bacterial plasma membranes are mainly made of phospholipids. These lipids have fatty acid chains linked to a glycerol backbone by ester bonds. They form a bilayer, with hydrophilic glycerol-phosphate heads facing outward and...

outer layers of the cell envelope

Capsules, Slime Layers, and S-Layers

Capsules, slime layers, and S-layers are outer coverings on prokaryotic cells. These layers help bacteria and archaea survive, attach to surfaces, and interact with their environment. They are often made of polysaccharides, polypeptides, proteins, or glycoproteins. Capsules are tightly bound and highly organized layers that stick firmly to the bacterial cell wall. They are usually made of polysaccharides, although some are made of polypeptides. A capsule protects cells from dehydration and can...

flagella and motility in bacteria

Bacterial Flagella as Tiny Rotary Motors

Bacterial flagella are thread-like structures that help cells move and respond to their surroundings. They extend from the cell envelope and support both motility and chemotaxis, which is the ability to move in response to chemical signals. Their design shows how bacteria use specialized structures to survive in different environments. A flagellum has three main parts: the filament, the hook, and the basal body. The filament is the long, helical part made of repeating flagellin protein...

fimbriae, pili, and axial filaments

Fimbriae, pili, and axial filaments are bacterial surface structures that help cells attach, exchange genes, and move. These hairlike appendages are made mainly of pilin protein. They support bacterial survival in different environments and can also increase pathogenicity. Fimbriae are fine, filament-like structures that are densely packed on the bacterial surface. They are about 2 to 10 nanometers wide and help bacteria attach to nonliving surfaces and to host tissues. This adhesion is an...

cell inclusions

Prokaryotic Cell Storage Inclusions

Prokaryotic cell storage inclusions help bacteria store nutrients, manage energy, and adapt to changing environments. These inclusions let cells survive when food, phosphate, sulfur, light, or oxygen levels change. They are important examples of how simple cells can still have highly specialized structures. Some inclusions store carbon. Poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid, or PHB, forms granules that act as a long-term carbon and energy reserve. Glycogen granules also store carbon, but they provide a...

endospores and sporulation

How Bacteria Survive with Endospores

Endospores help some bacteria survive harsh conditions. These dormant cells are made mainly by Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus and Clostridium. They are highly resistant to heat, ultraviolet and ionizing radiation, drying, and toxic chemicals. In rare cases, endospore-like structures have also been seen in some Gram-negative bacteria, including Coxiella burnetii and Sporosarcina ureae, as well as in other species exposed to extreme conditions. Sporulation begins when bacteria face...

nucleoid

How Prokaryotes Organize DNA

Prokaryotes organize their DNA in the nucleoid, a distinct region where genetic material and associated proteins are packed. Because prokaryotic cells do not have a membrane-bound nucleus, the nucleoid helps keep DNA organized and available for cell activities. In most bacteria and archaea, the DNA is a single, circular, double-stranded molecule that is tightly compacted by supercoiling and protein interactions. Nucleoid-associated proteins, or NAPs, help shape and maintain this DNA region.

surface appendages of archaea

Archaeal Pili and Archaella in Action

Archaeal pili and archaella help archaea survive, attach, and move in challenging environments. These surface appendages support adhesion, biofilm formation, and motility. They give archaeal cells key advantages in habitats that can be extreme. Pili are filament-like structures made from pilin protein subunits. Their main role is adhesion, which means helping cells stick to surfaces. They also support biofilm formation, where cells live in a shared, surface-attached community. Some pili are...

key terms and concepts

Explore how fimbriae, pili, and axial filaments help bacteria attach, exchange genes, and move, with examples from disease-causing microbes.

How Bacteria Stick, Share Genes, and Move | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Microbiology provides an engaging introduction to the microbial world and its influence on health, industry, and the environment. This comprehensive collection covers key concepts such as microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, and ecology. It introduces essential laboratory techniques and microscopy methods through visually engaging animations. Corresponding scientist-in-action videos bridge classroom concepts with real-world research and applications.

microbiology

Tennessee Academic Standards

Earth and Space Sciences

Earth's Systems

b-plate-tectonics-and-large-scale-systems-interactions

B. Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale Systems Interactions

Introduction to Virus

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Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle

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Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle

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DNA Bacteriophages

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Viruses of Archaea

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Viruses with RNA Genomes

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the-antiviral-system-of-bacteria-and-archaea-crispr

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Subviral Agents

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The student will investigate and understand that bacteria and viruses have an effect on living systems. Key ideas include  viruses depend on a host for metabolic processes;

BIO.4.a

Binary Fission

Binary fission is the primary mode of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes, such as bacteria. It results in the production of two genetically identical ...

Generation Time

Bacterial generation time, the period required for a bacterial population to double during its exponential growth phase, serves as a critical measure of ...

Bacterial Growth Curve

The bacterial growth curve is a fundamental concept in microbiology that describes the dynamics of bacterial population growth in a closed system with ...

microbial-growth-measurement-direct-methods

Microbial Growth Measurement: Direct Methods

Direct methods for measuring microbial populations in a culture are essential tools in microbiology, providing quantitative data for various applications. ...

microbial-growth-measurement-indirect-methods

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Microbial Growth Media

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Need for Obtaining Pure Cultures

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Factors Influencing Microbial Growth: pH

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factors-influencing-microbial-growth-temperature

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Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns

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Biofilms

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial ...

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BIO.4.b

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells represent two fundamental types of cellular organization, differing significantly in structure, complexity, and function. ...

Microbial Morphologies 

Bacterial and archaeal cells exhibit remarkable diversity in shape and structure, critical in their adaptability and functionality. Among bacteria, the ...

Bacterial Cell Wall 

The bacterial cell wall is an essential structural component that encases the plasma membrane, preserving cellular integrity, determining shape, and ...

Archaeal Cell Wall

Archaeal cell walls are structurally and compositionally distinct from their bacterial counterparts, lacking the characteristic peptidoglycan layer found ...

Peptidoglycan Synthesis

Structure of PeptidoglycanPeptidoglycan is a vital structural component of the bacterial cell wall, providing mechanical strength and shape to the cell. ...

Plasma Membrane in Bacteria and Archaea

The plasma membrane is an essential cellular structure responsible for maintaining cellular integrity and regulating the selective transport of molecules. ...

Outer Layers of the Cell Envelope

The outermost layers of prokaryotic cells play a critical role in their survival, virulence, and interaction with the environment. These layers, often ...

Flagella and Motility in Bacteria

Flagella are specialized, thread-like structures that extend from a bacteria's cell envelope. They play a crucial role in motility and chemotaxis. Their ...

Fimbriae and pili are specialized bacterial surface structures that play pivotal roles in adhesion, genetic exchange, and motility. Composed primarily of ...

Cell Inclusions

Prokaryotic cells possess a variety of inclusions that play crucial roles in nutrient storage, metabolic processes, and environmental adaptation. These ...

Endospores and Sporulation

Endospores are specialized, dormant cells primarily formed by Gram-positive bacteria, including Bacillus and Clostridium, enabling survival under extreme ...

Nucleoid

The nucleoid represents a structurally and functionally distinct region within prokaryotic cells, where the cell's DNA and associated proteins are housed. ...

Surface Appendages of Archaea

Archaeal surface appendages are highly specialized structures essential for environmental adaptation, encompassing roles in adhesion, biofilm formation, ...

The student will investigate and understand that bacteria and viruses have an effect on living systems. Key ideas include  the structures and functions can be compared

Types of Microorganisms

Microorganisms are a diverse group of microscopic entities broadly categorized into cellular and acellular types based on their structural organization. ...

environmental-applications-of-microorganisms

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

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Community DNA Extraction from Bacterial Colonies

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RNA Analysis of Environmental Samples Using RT-PCR

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Quantifying Environmental Microorganisms and Viruses Using qPCR

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Isolation of Fecal Bacteria from Water Samples by Filtration

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The quality of water destined ...

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Bacterial Growth Curve Analysis and its Environmental Applications

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BIO.4.d

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Infection

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Defense Mechanism Against Infection

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BIO.4.e

How Bacteria Stick, Share Genes, and Move

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