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Chemotaxis by Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus toward prey
Journal of Bacteriology
|November 1, 1977
Summary
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus does not use chemotaxis to find prey. Experiments showed no attraction to various bacteria, even at high densities, indicating alternative hunting strategies for these predatory bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus are predatory bacteria known to prey on other Gram-negative bacteria.
- Understanding the mechanisms by which Bdellovibrio locate their prey is crucial for comprehending their ecological role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a chemotaxis assay system for Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus.
- To investigate whether Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus strain UKi2 exhibits chemotaxis toward potential prey bacterial species.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modified Boyden chamber for chemotaxis assays.
- Tested attraction of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus UKi2 to Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus megaterium, and other Bdellovibrio strains.
- Evaluated responses to varying bacterial densities and cell-free filtrates.
Main Results:
- No chemotactic response was observed toward any tested bacterial species at densities below 10(7) cells/ml.
- High densities of Escherichia coli (up to 10(8) cells/ml) and their exudates did not elicit a chemotactic response.
- Cell-free filtrates from mixed cultures showed no attractive or repellent effect on Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus.
Conclusions:
- Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus strain UKi2 does not utilize chemotaxis to locate prey cells.
- The findings suggest that Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus employs alternative mechanisms for prey detection and engagement.