Synthesis and degradation of FtsZ quantitatively predict the first cell division in starved bacteria.

In natural environments, microbes are typically non-dividing and gauge when nutrients permit division. Current models are phenomenological and specific to nutrient-rich, exponentially growing cells, thus cannot predict the first division under limiting nutrient availability. To assess this regime, we supplied starving with glucose pulses at increasing frequencies.

Capacity for instantaneous catabolism of preferred and non-preferred carbon sources in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis.

Making the right choice for nutrient consumption in an ever-changing environment is a key factor for evolutionary success of bacteria. Here we investigate the regulatory mechanisms that enable dynamic adaptation between non-preferred and preferred carbon sources for the model Gram-negative and -positive species Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. We focus on the ability for instantaneous catabolism of a gluconeogenic carbon source upon growth on a glycolytic carbon source and vice versa.

Bistability in a metabolic network underpins the de novo evolution of colony switching in Pseudomonas fluorescens.

Phenotype switching is commonly observed in nature. This prevalence has allowed the elucidation of a number of underlying molecular mechanisms. However, little is known about how phenotypic switches arise and function in their early evolutionary stages.

Performance of Chlorella sorokiniana under simulated extreme winter conditions.

High annual microalgae productivities can only be achieved if solar light is efficiently used through the different seasons. During winter the productivity is low because of the light and temperature conditions. The productivity and photosynthetic efficiency of Chlorella sorokiniana were assessed under the worst-case scenario found during winter time in Huelva, south of Spain.