title: Sizing up microbes.
abstract: The size range of life forms is dictated by basic principles of physics. Large microorganisms, with sizes approaching a millimeter, have compensating features that address the immutable laws of physics. For pathogens, size may impact a range of functions, such as adherence and immune evasion. We review several recent studies on factors impacting, and impacted by, the size of microorganisms.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Science and Microbiology; University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ USA.
authors.forename: V K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Viswanathan