Well, not literally (lollipops do not attack). The bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica, is one that causes fever and diarrhea upon infection. It uses extensions from its body called adhensins that are sticky, thus allowing for adhesion to the host cell for attack. The scientists of this study are hoping to discover the exact transportation of extracellular domains; in doing so, they have identified important components of Y. enterocolitica's gram negative membrane. Having insight to the membrane and how the bacteria moves about, will aid in the development of antibiotics to fight against the infection.
My question: would you go for the transportation mechanism or find a way to stop the bacteria by the way it attaches to a host cell? Which do you think would be a better method?
Find the article below:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112090513.htm
I would say transportation mechanism so they understand how this bacteria is moving and what the mechanisms are inside. This will help find how to stop the bacteria which will lead to stopping the bacteria from attacking.
ReplyDeleteSoon after posting the question, I too sided on the side of the transportation mechanism. Mainly because, to stop it while in route is better than waiting until it gets close enough to attach!
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