Question

What is darting motility?

Answer 1

Hint: Darting motility is one of the 6 motility patterns observed in microorganisms. It is shown by gram-negative bacteria like Vibrio cholerae and Campylobacter jejuni.

Complete answer:
The motility pattern of a microorganism is used for the identification of the microbe itself. These microbes develop special surface structures or components like flagella, pili, surfactants, slime or capsules which assist them in their movement, mostly within the host’s body. The 6 motility patterns are:
-Swarming: coordinated translocation of a bacterial population
-Tumbling: characteristic tumbling motion of Listeria monocytogenes
-Gliding: bacterium glides along surface of low aqueous films
-Stately: slow motility
-Corkscrew: lashing/flexion extension
-Darting: rapid movement not visible to the eye
Darting motility is a rapid motion observed in some gram-negative bacteria, also called Shooting Star motility. This motion is so quick that often no change is observed in the position of the bacterium. The two most common examples of microbes showing this kind of motility are Vibrio cholerae and Campylobacter jejuni. Both of them possess special surface structures called flagella.
Vibrio cholerae are gram-negative bacteria that have a single polar flagellum which is responsible for the bacteria’s motility. When in motion, Vibrio cholerae appear to be vibrating due to their rapid movement, hence the name.
Campylobacter jejuni on the other hand has two opposing polar flagella and a helical body. This type of body structure helps it to move at high speeds in the viscous mucosa of the host’s gastrointestinal tract.

Note:
Most gram-positive bacteria lack surface components used for motion and are thus not mobile.
Both Vibrio cholerae and Campylobacter jejuni are pathogenic to humans, causing cholera and food poisoning respectively.