摘要:In this study we demonstrated that exposure of
Escherichia coli (
E. coli) to terahertz (THz) radiation resulted in a change in the activities of the
tdcABCDEFGR and
matA–F genes (signs of cell aggregation), gene
yjjQ (signs of suppression of cell motility),
dicABCF,
FtsZ, and
minCDE genes (signs of suppression of cell division),
sfmACDHF genes (signs of adhesin synthesis),
yjbEFGH and
gfcA genes (signs of cell envelope stabilization). Moreover, THz radiation induced
E. coli csg operon genes of amyloid biosynthesis. Electron microscopy revealed that the irradiated bacteria underwent increased aggregation; 20% of them formed bundle-like structures consisting of two to four pili clumped together. This could be the result of changes in the adhesive properties of the pili. We also found aberrations in cell wall structure in the middle part of the bacterial cell; these aberrations impaired the cell at the initial stages of division and resulted in accumulation of long rod-like cells. Overall, THz radiation was shown to have adverse effects on bacterial populations resulting in cells with abnormal morphology.