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Biophysical basis for convergent evolution of two veil-forming microbes
Alexander P Petroff1, Alexis L Pasulka2, Nadine Soplop3
1Laboratory of Experimental Condensed Matter Physics , The Rockefeller University , New York City, NY 10065, USA.
Royal Society Open Science
|December 31, 2015
Summary
Microbes in stagnant water evolved collective behavior to create a mucous veil, generating flow that enhances nutrient uptake. This convergent evolution is driven by physical limits of diffusion and viscosity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biophysics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Microbes in stagnant water depend on nutrient diffusion.
- Thiovulum majus (sulfur-oxidizing bacterium) and Uronemella (ciliate) independently evolved 'veil' formation.
- Veils create macroscopic flow, increasing nutrient transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the evolutionary drivers of collective microbial veil formation.
- Connect physical limitations on individual cells to evolved collective behaviors.
- Understand convergent evolution in microbial communities.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of physical limitations: diffusion limitation and viscous dissipation.
- Calculation of forces exerted by individual cells.
- Hydrodynamic modeling of filter-feeding and surface attachment.
- Observation and review of veil formation and dynamics.
Main Results:
- Individual T. majus and Uronemella cells exert ~40 pN forces.
- Cells attach to surfaces via mucous stalks.
- Diffusion and viscosity dictate required cellular forces.
- Filter-feeding hydrodynamics orient microbes normal to surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Convergent evolution of veil formation is driven by physical constraints.
- Diffusion and viscosity impose similar limitations on T. majus and Uronemella.
- Collective behavior enhances nutrient acquisition in diffusion-limited environments.
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