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Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Quantifying Bacterial Surface Swarming Motility on Inducer Gradient Plates
Published on: January 5, 2022
Initiation of swarming in Bacillus subtilis as a resolution for the sorites paradox in bacteria
Ajesh Jose1, Shira Omer Bendori2, Avigdor Eldar2
1The Albert Katz International School for Desert Studies, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion 84990, Israel.
Abstract:
As a single cell grows and multiplies, at what stage does it constitute a swarm? Here, we provide an answer for Bacillus subtilis. We place single planktonic cells onto agar and monitor the biological and physical phases as they transition into an active, swarming cohort. We identify four distinct, nonoverlapping stages enroute to swarming. Using different mutants, we pinpoint the roles of specific cellular processes in the buildup of collective motion. Our results provide a detailed description of the transition from planktonic to a swarming lifestyle-a hallmark of bacterial adaptability to changing environments.
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