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Microbiome

Chemistry In Pictures

Chemistry in Pictures: Microbe or venetian glass?

by Max Barnhart
June 6, 2024
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Most Popular in Biological Chemistry

Two single-cell organisms side by side. The left organism is oval shaped while the right organism has extended a long protrusion from its body. Both organisms have lightly colored spirals in them; these are their cytoskeletons.
The protist Lacrymaria olor can extend and manipulate its body thanks to a cytoskeletal structure researchers call origami-like.

Single-cell organisms are known for their fantastic abilities to squirm and manipulate their bodies in ways unlike any other organisms on the planet. This freshwater ciliate, Lacrymaria olor, is no exception. It rapidly extends its “neck” to up to seven times its body length to hunt and feed on smaller microorganisms. Now, Stanford University researchers have uncovered the secret behind this incredible shape-shifting—a cytoskeleton made up of tightly spiraled microtubules that can reversibly coil and uncoil. The researchers describe the mechanism as “origami-like,” even going so far as to recreate a functional model using the ancient paper craft.

Credit: Prakash Lab/Stanford University

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