Division of labor in the test tube: Bacteria grow faster if they feed each other
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 - 11:30
in Biology & Nature
The division of labor is more efficient than a struggle through life without help from others -- this is also true for microorganisms. Researchers came to this conclusion when they performed experiments with microbes. The scientists worked with bacteria that were deficient in the production of a certain amino acid and therefore depended on a partner to provide the missing nutrient.