Algal methylated compounds shorten the lag phase of Phaeobacter inhibens bacteria

The lag phase is key in resuming bacterial growth, but it remains underexplored particularly in environmental bacteria. Here we use transcriptomics and ¹³C-labelled metabolomics to show that the lag phase of the model marine bacterium Phaeobacter inhibens is shortened by methylated compounds produced by the microalgal partner, Emiliania huxleyi. Methylated compounds are abundantly produced and released by microalgae, and we show that their methyl groups can be collected by bacteria and assimilated through the methionine cycle. Our findings underscore the significance of methyl groups as a limiting factor during the lag phase and highlight the adjustability of this growth phase. In addition, we show that methylated compounds, typical of photosynthetic organisms, prompt diverse reductions in lag times in bacteria associated with algae and plants, potentially favouring early growth in some bacteria. These findings suggest ways to accelerate bacterial growth and underscore the significance of studying bacteria within an environmental context.