PVC bacteria: Variation of, but not exception to, the Gram-negative cell plan

Abstract

Planctomycetes-Verrucomicrobia-Chlamydiae (PVC) bacteria have features that differentiate them from classical Gram-negative (G-) bacteria. One such feature is their complex endomembrane system. Based on the difference of membrane organization and compartment identity, PVC bacteria were proposed to form an exception to the bacterial G- cell plan. Here I argue that all PVC membranes are derived from G- membranes, and that their organization and the compartments they form are similar to those of G- bacteria. I suggest that PVC membrane organization should be evaluated within a G- framework and as a variation of it.