Hydrogenosomes of metopus contortus physiologically resemble mitochondria

Biagini, Giancarlo A., Hayes, Anthony James, Suller, Mark T. E., Winters, Carole, Finlay, Bland J. and Archer, Charles William 1997. Hydrogenosomes of metopus contortus physiologically resemble mitochondria. Microbiology 143 (5) , pp. 1623-1629. 10.1099/00221287-143-5-1623

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Abstract

The anaerobic free-living ciliated protozoon Metopus contortus is a grazer in anoxic marine sediments. It does not possess mitochondria, but it does have specialized organelles termed hydrogenosomes which release hydrogen gas. The cationic lipophilic cyanine dye DiOC7(3) is an indicator of transmembrane electrochemical potential. With the aid of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), the association of this dye with hydrogenosomes in situ was followed. Flow cytometric measurements showed that fluorescence of the membrane potential dye decreased in response to an elevated pH2 in the cell. CLSM also revealed localization of fluorescence of the calcium probe Fluo 3-AM, and of the transmembrane pH gradient probe BCECF-AM, within the lumen of the hydrogenosomes. In addition, hydrogenosomal inclusions were detected. X-ray microanalysis of these electron-dense granules revealed high levels of calcium, phosphate and magnesium. It is concluded that M. contortus hydrogenosomes are calcium stores, have a membrane potential, and an alkaline lumen. These physiological features resemble those of mitochondria in aerobic protozoa.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Biosciences
Subjects:	Q Science > QR Microbiology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Metopus contortus, hydrogenosomes, transmembrane electrochemical potential, transmembrane pH gradient, calcium phosphate inclusions.
Publisher:	Society for General Microbiology
ISSN:	1350-0872
Last Modified:	04 Jun 2017 07:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/67549

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