Bacteria grow swiftly and live thriftily

Roberto Kolter, Nathalie Balaban, Thomas Julou

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/debate

Abstract

Bacteria have evolved numerous strategies to use resources efficiently. However, bacterial economies depend on both the physiological context of the organisms as well as their growth state — whether they are growing, non-growing or reinitiating growth. In this essay, we discuss some of the features that make bacteria efficient under these different conditions and during the transitions between them. We also highlight the many outstanding questions regarding the physiology of non-growing bacterial cells. Lastly, we examine how efficiency is apparent in both the mode and tempo of bacterial evolution.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)R599-R605
JournalCurrent Biology
Volume32
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 Jun 2022

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Neuroscience
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

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