statorproteinerna

Stator proteinerna, often referred to as stator proteins or stator components, are essential molecular machines found in bacteria that are responsible for the rotation of the flagellum. This intricate biological engine allows bacteria to move through their environment, a process crucial for survival and colonization. The stator is composed of several protein subunits, each with a specific role in generating and transmitting torque.

The primary function of stator proteins is to harness the energy from a proton gradient across the bacterial cell membrane. Protons flow through specific channels within the stator complex, driving the rotation of a rotor component. This rotational force is then transferred to the flagellar filament, causing it to spin and propel the bacterium.

Key components of the stator include the Mot (motor) proteins, such as MotA and MotB in many common bacterial species. MotA forms a transmembrane channel through which protons pass, while MotB anchors the stator complex to the peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall, providing a stable base for rotation. Other proteins, like the PomA and PomB in *Vibrio* species, perform analogous functions. The precise arrangement and interaction of these proteins are critical for efficient energy transduction and flagellar motility. Without functional stator proteins, bacteria would be unable to swim, severely limiting their ability to seek nutrients, escape toxins, or infect hosts.