Final answer:
T3SS assembly includes early substrates for constructing the secretion apparatus, middle substrates as translocators for the host cell membrane, and late substrates as effector proteins that manipulate host cell processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type III secretion system (T3SS) secreted components can be categorized into three groups based on the sequence of their assembly and secretion: early, middle, and late substrates. The early substrates typically include elements involved in forming the base of the secretion apparatus, which are essential for the initial steps of secretory machinery assembly. Middle substrates often consist of translocators that form the pore in the host cell membrane, facilitating the passage of late substrates. Lastly, the late substrates comprise effector proteins that are delivered into the host cells and are crucial for manipulating host cell processes to benefit the pathogen. These secreted proteins enable bacterial cells to interact with their environment, including host-pathogen interactions, which are a part of their virulence strategies such as those seen in C. trachomatis and other gram-negative pathogens.