title: The ecological role of bacteriocins in bacterial competition.
abstract: Bacteriocins are an abundant class of antimicrobial molecules that appear to mediate population dynamics within species. The bacteriocins of Escherichia coli have served as a model for exploring the ecological role of these potent toxins. Studies suggest that colicins provide a competitive edge in nutrient-poor environments and that there might be a trade-off between the costs and benefits of colicin production.
authors: Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA. margaret.riley@yale.edu
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Riley
authors: D M
authors: DM
authors: Gordon
mesh_terms: D001430:Bacteriocins; D003087:Colicins; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000502:physiology*; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D001430:Bacteriocins; D003087:Colicins