Abstract

Bdellovibrio and like-organisms (BALO) are among the most unique and fascinating bacteria in the microbial world. They are predatory prokaryotes that prey on certain other Gram-negative bacteria. Their predatory behavior and biphasic life cycle consists of an extra cellular "hunt" phase in which they search for prey and an intracellular growth. The BALO, propelled at high speed by a polar flagellum, viciously attack their prey (many Gram-negative bacteria), penetrate the cell wall and become lodged in the periplasmic space where they grow and multiply and finally free their progeny by lysing the prey cell wall. Being about 1/10th the size of a typical bacterium, the BALO have been called "the world's smallest hunters". Since attack by the BALO is a lethal event for its prey, the predators may be important contributors to bacterial mortality in nature. They have a ubiquitous distribution and are found in both aquatic and soil environments. Despite their uniqueness, scientists are just beginning to understand their ecology, diversity, phylogeny and role in nature. This presentation will focus on these topics primarily for the BALO found in saltwater systems.

Light refreshments are served in the Interaction Area (4th floor of the Oceanography/Physics Building) at 4:00 p.m.

All seminars begin at 3:00 p.m. and are held in room 200 of the Oceanography/Physics building.