Biofilm development with an emphasis on Bacillus subtilis.
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.
Lemon
K P
KP
Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Earl
A M
AM
Vlamakis
H C
HC
Aguilar
C
C
Kolter
R
R
D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*