Solitary modes of bacterial culture in a temperature gradient

Phys Rev Lett. 2006 Sep 15;97(11):118101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.118101. Epub 2006 Sep 11.

Abstract

We study the behavior of a bacterial culture in a one-dimensional temperature gradient. The bacteria first accumulate near their natural temperature due to thermotaxis. The maximum of the bacterial density profile then drifts to lower temperature with a velocity proportional to the initial concentration of bacteria (typical velocity 0.5 microm/sec). Above a critical concentration of 10(8) cells/cm(3), a new mode develops from the initial accumulation in the form of a sharp pulse moving at a faster velocity ( approximately 3.5 microm/sec). The time of development of this mode diverges as the concentration approaches its critical value. This mode is a result of a positive feedback mechanism provided by interbacterial communication. A theoretical model shows good agreement with the experimental results.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / metabolism
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Bacterial Physiological Phenomena*
  • Biophysics / methods
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Mutation
  • Normal Distribution
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Amino Acids