Image: Spirochete Cross Section
Description: The spirochete is a form of bacteria that results in lyme disease. It is characterized by its spiral formation. In addition to its spring-like shape, a spirochetal bacteria has filaments on the outside of its protoplasma. These filaments allow the bacteria to move while continuously rotating in place. Such placement of the flagella on a spirochete makes it easier for it to move throughout the bloodstream. Spirochetal bacteria also have the ability to cloak themselves within the bilayer of a cell, thereby avoiding detection from the immune system. This form of evasion makes it possible for a spirochete to remain dormant for long periods of time (by invading intracellular spaces).
Title: Spirochete Cross Section
Credit: Own work
Author: Cvolk12
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
License Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0
Attribution Required?: Yes
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