Magnetite formation via membrane-bound ferritin and an iron(II) species at the cytoplasmic membrane and in magnetosomes of Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense

Abstract

Growth and cell fractions of the magnetic bacterium Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense were studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy. In isolated magnetosomes only magnetite particles were observed. The membrane fraction of Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense contains a ferritin-like component and a Fe2+ species and also magnetite particles smaller than those observed in the magnetosomes fraction. In the cytosol only ferritin was identified. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.