Ecological implications of glucosyltransferase phase variation in Streptococcus gordonii.
When sucrose is provided as a substrate for glucosyltransferase (GTF), Spp+ cells of the oral bacteria Streptococcus gordonii grow embedded in an insoluble glucan mass associated with surfaces. Spp- phase variants with lower GTF activity, which either arise from or are grown with Spp+ cells, segregate preferentially as unattached cells in the culture supernatants. Conversely, Spp+ revertants preferentially accumulate on surfaces. GTF phase variation, therefore, may facilitate the dispersion of S. gordonii cells throughout the oral cavity.
Vickerman
M M
MM
Department of Cariology and General Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Unviersity of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0620.
Clewell
D B
DB
Jones
G W
GW
D004463:Ecology; D005964:Glucosyltransferases / Q000378:metabolism*; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development; D014070:Tooth / Q000382:microbiology
C036655:1,3-alpha-D-glucan synthase; D005964:Glucosyltransferases