Physiological heterogeneity in biofilms.
Biofilms contain bacterial cells that are in a wide range of physiological states. Within a biofilm population, cells with diverse genotypes and phenotypes that express distinct metabolic pathways, stress responses and other specific biological activities are juxtaposed. The mechanisms that contribute to this genetic and physiological heterogeneity include microscale chemical gradients, adaptation to local environmental conditions, stochastic gene expression and the genotypic variation that occurs through mutation and selection. Here, we discuss the processes that generate chemical gradients in biofilms, the genetic and physiological responses of the bacteria as they adapt to these gradients and the techniques that can be used to visualize and measure the microscale physiological heterogeneities of bacteria in biofilms.
Stewart
Philip S
PS
Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717-3980, USA. phil_s@erc.montana.edu
Franklin
Michael J
MJ
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D001345:Autoradiography; D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006652:Histological Techniques; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D007834:Lasers; D008852:Microradiography; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
D004269:DNA, Bacterial