Predatory Prokaryotes: Biology, Ecology and Evolution

Predatory Prokaryotes focuses on the ecology of predation at the microbial level. It aims to increase the awareness of the great possibilities that predation between microbes offer for studying and discussing basic ecological and general biological concepts. This volume contains chapters on the diversity, ecology and phylogeny of predatory prokaryotes, introducing models of predator–prey interactions between microorganisms and presenting analyses of the impact of predation in microbial systems. Laboratory work with Bdellovibrio-and-like organisms (BALOs), the most studied predatory bacteria, is presented through accounts of the cultivation and the molecular techniques used for studying BALOs. A first comparative analysis of different BALO genomes is also provided. Further chapters discuss the chemotactic, regulatory and sensory circuits of these ubiquitous predatory bacteria. Finally, the unique biochemicals used as building blocks and new proteins found in BALO cell walls are reviewed.