Patterning of mutually interacting bacterial bodies: close contacts and airborne signals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bacterial bodies (colonies) can develop complex patterns of color and structure. These patterns may arise as a result of both colony-autonomous developmental and regulatory processes (self-patterning) and environmental influences, including those generated by neighbor bodies. We have studied the interplay of intra-colony signaling (self-patterning) and inter-colony influences in related clones of Serratia rubidaea grown on rich media.

Results

Colonies are shaped by both autonomous patterning and by signals generated by co-habitants of the morphogenetic space, mediating both internal shaping of the body, and communication between bodies sharing the same living space. The result of development is affected by the overall distribution of neighbors in the dish. The nei

SUBMITTER: Cepl JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2882925 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature