Using phenotyping to visualize and identify selfish bacteria: a methods guide.

ABSTRACT: Polysaccharides are dominant components of plant and algal biomass, whose degradation is typically mediated by heterotrophic bacteria. These bacteria use extracellular enzymes to hydrolyze polysaccharides to oligosaccharides that are then also available to other bacteria. Recently, a new mechanism of polysaccharide processing-"selfish" uptake-has been recognized, initially among gut-derived bacteria. In "selfish" uptake, polysaccharides are bound at the outer membrane, partially hydrolyzed, and transported into the periplasmic space without loss of hydrolysis products, thus limiting the availability of smaller sugars to the surrounding environment. Selfish uptake is widespread in environments ranging from the ocean's cool, oxygen-rich, organic carbon-poor waters to the warm, carbon-rich, a

SUBMITTER: Reintjes G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12323593 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature