Biogenesis and Funciton of Type IV Pili in Pseudomonas Species

Abstract

Type IV pili or fimbriae are non-flagellar, filamentous surface appendages that are associated with a number of biological activities in bacteria. These processes include a form of surface translocation termed twitching motility; bacteriophage sensitivity; attachment to biotic (bacteria, plant, animal) and abiotic surfaces; biofilm development; and the uptake of naked DNA by natural transformation. Many of these biological functions are reliant on the ability of these structures to extend and retract.