Question:

Which of the following mechanisms is not employed by bacteria that move by gliding?

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Gliding is always defined as flagella-independent movement on solid surfaces, meaning rotating flagella cannot be involved.
  • Polysaccharide excretion
  • Twitching
  • Rotating glide proteins
  • Rotating flagella
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bacterial motility mechanisms are highly diverse. Gliding motility is defined as flagella-independent movement across solid surfaces.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

- Gliding motility is exhibited by diverse groups of bacteria, such as Myxobacteria and Cyanobacteria, allowing them to travel along solid surfaces without flagella.
- Gliding mechanisms include:
1. Polysaccharide excretion (A): Slime extrusion acts as a surfactant or propellant to slide the cell forward.
2. Twitching (B): Mediated by the extension, tethering, and retraction of Type IV pili.
3. Rotating glide proteins (C): Adhesion proteins in the cell envelope move along internal track systems to pull the cell forward.
- Rotating flagella (D) are helical protein filaments used specifically for swimming through liquid media or swarming across moist surfaces. Gliding bacteria completely lack functional flagella.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Hence, rotating flagella are not used in gliding motility.
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