Biased inheritance protects older bacteria from harm.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Barrett, Theresa C.; Mok, Wendy W. K.; Brynildsen, Mark P.
- Source
- Science. 4/21/2017, Vol. 356 Issue 6335, p247-248. 2/3p. 1 Diagram.
- Subject
- *BIOLOGICAL control of bacteria
*BACTERIAL cultures
*BACTERIA phylogeny
*PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of antibiotics
*BACTERIAL population
- Language
- ISSN
- 0036-8075
The article reports that biased inheritance protects the older bacteria from harm and also that Asymmetric distribution of an efflux pump makes the older bacteria less sensitive to antibiotics. Phenotypic heterogeneity allows single organisms to survive in the conditions which are lethal for most of the population, such as assault with antibiotics.