Biofilms

  1. Physiology and Communication in Biofilms
    1. Quorum Sensing (QS)
      1. Mechanism of Action
        1. Autoinducer Synthesis
          1. Signal Accumulation
            1. Signal Detection and Response
              1. Threshold Concentrations
              2. Types of QS Systems
                1. Acyl-Homoserine Lactones (AHLs) in Gram-negative Bacteria
                  1. Autoinducing Peptides (AIPs) in Gram-positive Bacteria
                    1. Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) for Interspecies Communication
                      1. Other Signaling Molecules
                      2. Role in Biofilm Development
                        1. Regulation of Adhesion
                          1. Control of EPS Production
                            1. Coordinated Gene Expression
                              1. Regulation of Dispersal
                                1. Virulence Factor Production
                              2. Metabolic Heterogeneity
                                1. Formation of Aerobic and Anaerobic Zones
                                  1. Distribution of Metabolic Activity
                                    1. Active Cells vs. Dormant Cells
                                      1. Impact on Biofilm Function
                                        1. Metabolic Cooperation
                                        2. Differentiated Gene Expression
                                          1. Upregulation of Biofilm-Specific Genes
                                            1. Downregulation of Planktonic-State Genes
                                              1. Spatial Variation in Gene Expression
                                                1. Temporal Changes in Expression Patterns
                                                2. Horizontal Gene Transfer
                                                  1. Mechanisms of Gene Transfer
                                                    1. Conjugation
                                                      1. Transformation
                                                        1. Transduction
                                                        2. Role in Spreading Resistance
                                                          1. Impact on Genetic Diversity
                                                            1. Plasmid Transfer in Biofilms
                                                            2. Stress Response Systems
                                                              1. General Stress Response
                                                                1. Specific Stress Adaptations
                                                                  1. Role of Sigma Factors
                                                                    1. Stringent Response

                                                                  Previous

                                                                  3. Biofilm Architecture and Composition

                                                                  Go to top

                                                                  Next

                                                                  5. Biofilm Resistance and Persistence