A University of Queensland-led international study has discovered a new type of bacterial structure which has previously only been seen in more complex cells.
Co-authors include researchers from CMM, Richard Webb, Dr Kathryn Green and previous member of staff, Garry Morgan.
Research team leader UQ School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences microbiologist Emeritus Professor John Fuerst said the study had found pore-like structures in a bacterium called Gemmata obscuriglobus.
“The pore-like structures appeared embedded into the bacteria’s internal membranes, and showed some structural features similar to those in more complex organisms,” he said.
“This is a remarkable evolutionary finding, since most bacteria do not possess these structures.
