title: Biofilm development with an emphasis on Bacillus subtilis.
abstract: Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in biofilm formation has increased tremendously in recent years. From research on diverse bacteria, a general model of bacterial biofilm development has emerged. This model can be adjusted to fit either of two common modes of unicellular existence: nonmotile and motile. Here we provide a detailed review of what is currently known about biofilm formation by the motile bacterium Bacillus subtilis. While the ability of bacteria to form a biofilm appears to be almost universal and overarching themes apply, the combination of molecular events necessary varies widely, and this is reflected in the other chapters of this book.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Lemon
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Earl
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Vlamakis
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Aguilar
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kolter
mesh_terms: D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*