Spirochetes and Syphilis

• What shape are spirochetes?

  Spiral-shaped
• If you wanted to observe the detailed surface features of a spirochete, which type of microscope would you use?

  Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
• What unique structures do spirochetes possess for movement?

  Endoflagella or axial filaments
• What staining technique is needed to visualize spirochetes?

  Immunofluorescence staining
• What are the main components of the outer membrane?

  • BamA
  • Tpp17
  • TP0453
• How do the strengths and limitations of SEM and TEM differ in terms of the type of information they can provide about a biological sample?

  • SEM provides high-resolution 3D surface information, while TEM provides 2D internal structural details at higher magnification
  • SEM is better for studying external cell features, while TEM is better for analyzing organelles and subcellular components
  • SEM has a lower resolution limit compared to TEM, but can image larger samples
• What are endoflagella in Treponema pallidum?

  They are axial filaments wrapped inside the outer membrane
• What is the main color scheme of the image?

  Black and gold
• What type of bacteria are spirochetes classified as?

  Gram-negative bacilli
• If you wanted to observe the detailed surface features of a cell, which type of microscope would you use?

  Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
• What is the formula to calculate the area of a circle with radius $r$?


  $\pi r^2$
• What can you infer about the sample or specimen being imaged based on the features visible in the image?

  • The image shows various shapes and structures, suggesting it is likely a biological or materials science sample being imaged at the microscopic level.
• If you wanted to study the internal structure and organelles within a cell, which type of microscope would you use instead?

  Transmission electron microscope (TEM)
• What is the outer covering of spirochetes called?

  Outer sheath
• What type of membrane structure do spirochetes have?

  Double membrane structure
• What type of microscopy provides good contrast for thin bacteria like Treponema pallidum?

  Dark-field microscopy
• What is the purpose of immunofluorescence stains in detecting Treponema pallidum?

  For better visualization and specific identification
• What is the name of the protein labeled as Non-Tpr OMP?

  Non-Tpr OMP
• How does the cultivation of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum differ from other bacteria?

  It requires living tissue, not laboratory media
• Why is Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum unique in laboratory studies?

  It cannot be grown in vitro
• What are the main components of the ECF-type transporter?

  • ATP
  • ADP+P
  • BioMNY
• Why is the resolution limit of a light microscope around 0.2 µm?

  Because it is limited by the wavelength of visible light
• What is the primary antigen involved in syphilis diagnosis?

  Cardiolipin
• What are the key characteristics of spirochetes?

  • Covered by an outer sheath (glucosaminoglycan coating)
  • Contain an axial filament system within periplasmic space
  • Double membrane structure: outer membrane over inner membrane
  • Motile due to flagella-like filaments
  • Gram-negative bacilli
• What is the name of the protein labeled as TP0453?


  TP0453
• What type of antibodies react with cardiolipin in syphilis?

  Nonspecific antibodies called reagin
• What are the main structures of a spirochete cell?

  • Flagella
  • Cell Wall
  • Outer Membrane
  • Protoplasmic Cylinder
  • Protoplasmic Space
  • Inner membrane
  • Periplasmic Flagella
• What is the name of the protein labeled as TP0751?

  BamA
• How could the resolution and magnification of this microscopic image be improved?

  • To improve resolution and magnification, the microscope parameters could be adjusted, such as using a higher accelerating voltage, smaller aperture, or different lenses.
• What are the key differences between the outer membrane and inner membrane of a spirochete?

  • Outer membrane: Provides protection and structural support
  • Inner membrane: Contains the cell's metabolic machinery and genetic material
• What are the main components of Treponema pallidum's structure?

  • Outer sheath: Polysaccharide-rich glucosaminoglycans
  • Outer membrane: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peptidoglycan layer
  • Endoflagella: Axial filaments inside the outer membrane
• What is a rare way syphilis can be transmitted?

  Through infected blood transfusions
• What is a characteristic symptom of the primary stage of syphilis?

  Painless sore known as chancre
• What is the term for syphilis transmission during pregnancy?

  Congenital transmission
• What occurs during the incubation stage of syphilis?

  Initial silent period lasting 9-90 days
• What is the incubation period for syphilis?

  9-90 days
• What symptoms are associated with the secondary stage of syphilis?

  Skin rash and mucous membrane lesions
• What is the space between the outer membrane and protoplasmic cylinder called in a spirochete?

  Protoplasmic space
• What is the primary challenge in detecting Treponema pallidum?

  It cannot grow in standard laboratory conditions
• How does the imaging process of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) differ from a transmission electron microscope (TEM)?

  SEMs produce 3D images by detecting secondary electrons, while TEMs produce 2D images by detecting transmitted electrons