title: Bacteriocins: ecological and evolutionary significance.
abstract: Bacteriocins are compounds that are produced by bacteria and are antagonistic to other bacteria. Although they have been known for many years, recent interest in these compounds has increased because of their potential use as natural food preservatives. Although most of this research has been directed at the molecular level, a clearer picture of the ecological role played by bacteriocins in natural environments is beginning to emerge. In addition, the importance and practical implications of evolutionary aspects of bacteriocins and bacteriocin resistance are now being assessed.
authors.affiliation: Gary Dykes is at the Dept of Microbiology, University of the Witwatersrand, PO WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Dykes