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A functional perspective on phenotypic heterogeneity in microorganisms.

Martin Ackermann1

  • 11] Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zürich), ETH Zentrum CHN H70.3, Universitätsstrasse 16, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland. [2] Department of Environmental Microbiology, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag), Ueberlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.

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Microbial communities exhibit genetic diversity, but also diversity within genetically identical cells. Phenotypic heterogeneity allows microbes to adapt to changing environments and gain new functions through subpopulation interactions.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Microbial communities are characterized by genetic diversity, influencing their properties and functions.
  • Biological diversity also exists at the cellular level, even among genetically identical cells within the same microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the molecular mechanisms driving phenotypic heterogeneity in microbial communities.
  • To discuss the role of phenotypic heterogeneity in microbial adaptation and survival.
  • To explore how phenotypic heterogeneity fosters interactions and new functionalities in clonal microbial groups.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes existing research on phenotypic heterogeneity.
  • It examines molecular mechanisms underlying cell-to-cell variation.
  • It discusses ecological and evolutionary implications of this diversity.

Main Results:

  • Phenotypic heterogeneity arises from molecular mechanisms within genetically identical cells.
  • This heterogeneity enhances genotype persistence in fluctuating environments.
  • Interactions between phenotypic subpopulations create novel collective functions.

Conclusions:

  • Phenotypic heterogeneity is a crucial source of biological diversity in microbial communities.
  • It provides a mechanism for adaptation and resilience in changing environments.
  • It drives emergent functionalities in microbial consortia.