Reproduce Or Conquer The World? Bacterial Adventures In Theoretical Biophysics

Sunday, April 20, 2014 - 10:40 in Biology & Nature

The bacterium Bacillus subtilis is quite adaptable, it moves about in liquids and on agar surfaces by means of flagella and alternatively, it can just stick to an underlying substrate. The bacteria proliferate most effectively in this stationary state, while motile bacteria reproduce at a noticably lower rate. In order to sustain and extend the colony, bacteria primarily require sufficient nutrients. Moving slowly means that nutrients are soon used up, but adventurous bacteria that decide to move out fast in search for a microbial Cockaigne may end up feeling lonely. Which strategy offers the best prospects for the organisms? Should one specialize in growth or migration, or be a generalist and steer a balanced course? read more

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