microbial physiology homework

[carol]

We are now on the synthesis of the different macromolecules in a prokaryotic cell. Our teacher gave us a homework and now I am trying to answer the last question. But I can't seem to find anything on the internet or on the microbiology and biochemistry books I went through.

 

Describe the process by which capsule is synthesized in a bacterial cell.

 

I tried to key in "capsule synthesis", "glycocalyx synthesis", and "synthesis of...". But all I got were abstracts that didn't really explain anything about the process.

 

I would appreciate any help.

Edited December 3, 2008 by carol
have to change explained into explain

[Callie]

http://gsbs.utmb.edu/microbook/

 

the above link is an on-line microbiology textbook - you may have more luck finding what you need from books than the net but an on-line book like the one above should help some.

[CharonY]

You won't find a general pathway for capsule synthesis. The reason being that capsules are a collective term for a number of chemically different outer layer formations of bacteria. Most of the time they are polysaccharides, but can also be (glyco-)peptides. As such synthesis pathways will vary from organism. Your best bet is either check your textbook for an example, or check the literature (especially reviews) for a specific bacterium. Your best bet would be E. coli.

[carol]

You won't find a general pathway for capsule synthesis. The reason being that capsules are a collective term for a number of chemically different outer layer formations of bacteria. Most of the time they are polysaccharides, but can also be (glyco-)peptides. E. coli.

 

oh, yes. what i gave was the original question. our teacher changed it to exopolysaccharide on our last meeting.

[CharonY]

In that case you would only have to check what is known about EPS production in the bacterium that you have in class.