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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
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Single-cell Analysis of Bacillus subtilis Biofilms Using Fluorescence Microscopy and Flow Cytometry
Published on: February 15, 2012
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Evolution of exploitative interactions during diversification in Bacillus subtilis biofilms.
Anna Dragoš1,2, Nivedha Lakshmanan2, Marivic Martin1,2
1Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Anker Engelunds Vej Building 301, Kgs Lyngby 2800, Denmark.
FEMS Microbiology Ecology
|November 11, 2017
Summary
Bacillus subtilis biofilms evolve distinct variants with varied abilities, some hitchhiking on others. Subtle genetic changes drive major phenotypic shifts, showing intertwined cooperation and exploitation in microbial communities.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Bacterial Genetics
Background:
- Microbial biofilms are complex communities where genetic variants can emerge.
- Evolution in structured environments like biofilms drives population diversification.
- Gram-negative bacteria show diversification in biofilms, influencing population dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary diversification of pellicle biofilms in Bacillus subtilis.
- To characterize the phenotypic and genetic differences among evolved Bacillus subtilis variants.
- To understand the interactions and evolutionary strategies within diversifying Bacillus subtilis biofilms.
Main Methods:
- Induction of pellicle biofilm evolution in Bacillus subtilis.
- Quantitative assessment of biofilm formation, surface complexity, and hydrophobicity.
- Genome comparison of distinct evolved morphotypes.
Main Results:
- Bacillus subtilis diversified into distinct colony variants with differing biofilm formation and gene expression.
- Evolved variants exhibited significant differences in surface complexity and hydrophobicity.
- One morphotype lost independent biofilm formation, relying on others for dispersal (hitchhiking).
- Minor genetic variations were linked to major phenotypic changes.
Conclusions:
- Evolutionary diversification in Bacillus subtilis biofilms involves both cooperative and exploitative interactions.
- Phenotypic divergence can arise from subtle genetic differences.
- Biofilm structure facilitates niche partitioning and novel interaction development.
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