Spirochetes have a unique motility system that is characterized by flagellar filaments
contained within the outer membrane sheath. Direct evidence using video microscopy has
recently been obtained which indicates that these periplasmic flagella (PF) rotate in several
spirochetal species. This rotation generates thrust. As shown for one spirochete,
Spirochaeta aurantia, motility is driven by a proton motive force. Spirochete chemotaxis has
been most thoroughly studied in S. aurantia. this spirochete exhibits three distinct …