Spencer V. Nyholm, Eric V. Stabb, Edward G. Ruby, Margaret J. McFall-Ngai, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
This PNAS scholarly article uses the model association between the squid Euprymna scolopes and Vibrio fischeri to examine mechanisms by which the host and its potential microbial partners ensure tissue colonization in animal-bacterial symbioses. This study found that when V. fischeri cells were introduced into seawater surrounding a newly hatched squid, the bacteria were drawn into its fluid-filled body cavity during ventilation and were captured in the matrix. After residing as an aggregate for several hours, the symbionts migrated into the pores and colonized the crypt epithelia. This mode of infection may be an example of a widespread strategy by which aquatic hosts increase the likelihood of successful colonization by rarely encountered symbionts.
Subject: Biology:Ecology:Symbiotic Relations:Mutualism, Biology:Ecology:Habitats:Marine, Biology:Microbiology, Microbiology:Methods of Microbiology :Microscopy Resource Type: Scientific Resources:Research Results Grade Level: College Upper (15-16), College Lower (13-14) Theme: Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Ecology
