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The selective value of bacterial shape.

Kevin D Young1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037, USA. kyoung@medicine.nodak.edu

Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews : MMBR
|September 9, 2006
PubMed
Summary
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Bacterial shape is not accidental but biologically important for survival. Different physical, environmental, and biological forces drive bacterial morphology, influencing natural selection and aiding survival.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Bacterial morphology is often uniform, suggesting it's not arbitrary.
  • Some bacteria alter their shape in response to environmental changes.
  • Bacterial shape can be traced through evolutionary history, indicating selection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the biological significance of bacterial shape (morphology).
  • To identify the physical, environmental, and biological factors influencing bacterial shapes.
  • To explain how these factors contribute to natural selection and bacterial survival.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on bacterial morphology and evolution.
  • Analysis of forces driving bacterial shape selection.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Integration of environmental and behavioral factors influencing bacterial form.

    • Main Results:

    • Bacterial shapes are selectable traits crucial for survival.
    • Eight key considerations drive bacterial morphology: nutrient access, cell division, attachment, dispersal, motility, differentiation, predator evasion, and cellular specialization.
    • Bacteria optimize their size and shape based on environmental and behavioral cues.

    Conclusions:

    • Bacterial morphology is a critical, selected trait, not a trivial characteristic.
    • Understanding the 'why' behind bacterial shapes is essential for comprehending their survival strategies.
    • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the adaptive significance of bacterial morphology.