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. 1986 Oct;168(1):309–317. doi: 10.1128/jb.168.1.309-317.1986

Three-dimensional structure of the tetragonal surface layer of Sporosarcina ureae.

H Engelhardt, W O Saxton, W Baumeister
PMCID: PMC213452  PMID: 3759908

Abstract

The three-dimensional structure of the regular surface layer of Sporosarcina ureae has been determined to a resolution of 1.7 nm by electron microscopy and image reconstruction. The S-layer has p4 symmetry, a lattice constant of 12.9 nm, and a minimum thickness of 6.6 nm. The reconstruction reveals a distinct domain structure: a massive core, arms connecting adjacent unit cells, and spurs which make contact at the subsidiary fourfold symmetry axes. In the z-direction the domains appear to be arranged in three planes, creating two entirely different surface reliefs. The S-layer has a complex pattern of pores and gaps that are 2 to 3 nm wide. In addition, the secondary-structure composition has been determined by infrared spectroscopy: about 35% of the polypeptide appears to have a beta-structure conformation.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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