Spirochetal movement:
Spirochetes are Class V bacteria. The movement of Spirochetes is called as spirochetal movement. Spirochetes are long right handed helically shaped bacteria. Axial fibrils and periplasmic flagellum,present in the periplasmic region of the bacteria,overlapped together and run one sub-polar end to other of the Spirochetes (Figure 15.2).  The mechanism of Spirochetal movement is not clear, however the proposed anticlockwise rotation of the flagellum can lead the bacterial movement. Classical example for this type movement is Treponemapallidum.

 

Figure 15.2 : Structure of Spirochetes

Gliding movement:
Group of gliding bacteria show non flagellum based gliding movement. Fimbriae like appendages (pili), present at polar region, involve in the gliding movement with the help of motor system A and S along chemosensory system ‘Frz’. Here coordinated movement of two different motor system, known as S and A system, response for the motility of bacteria (Figure 15.3).But their mode of action is unclear. Ex. Myxococcus, cyanobacterium, Oscillatoria.

Figure 14.3 : Gliding movement of Treponema Pallidum

But other hypotheses like generation of contractile waves or surface tension or pushing by secreted slime was also proposed as possible mechanisms of gliding.