TUe SA Guo Structure (IMAGE) Eindhoven University of Technology Caption Schematic view of how the bacterium Marinomonas promoryiens attaches itself onto the ice surface with the MpAFP protein. This structure of the protein is shown in more detail. It is like an arm and a hand of a human being. At the base, it is attached to the bacterial membrane (left) like how an arm is attached to our body. Next it has a long arm that enables the hand on the far right to reach out and grab various things. Here, the hand of the adhesin can grip onto ice, proteins and sugars, which help the bacteria bind to ice and diatoms. Credit S. Guo Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.