Nature Communications (May 2022)

Dynamic stiffening of the flagellar hook

  • Ashley L. Nord,
  • Anaïs Biquet-Bisquert,
  • Manouk Abkarian,
  • Théo Pigaglio,
  • Farida Seduk,
  • Axel Magalon,
  • Francesco Pedaci

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-30295-7
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Bacterial motility relies on the mechanics of the “hook” the 60 nm biopolymer at the base of rotating flagella. Here, authors observe the hook stiffening as it is twisted by the rotation of the flagellum, a mechanical feat evolved for its function.