Species name： Myxococcus xanthus
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Prof. Manfred Auer, Dr.James Berleman
Myxococcus xanthus (of the delta proteobacteria) forms fruiting bodies when exposed to conditions of high cell density and low nutrient availability. In this laboratory experiment, cells are cultured in liquid media, washed and concentrated so that when they are added to a low nutrient surface they rapidly begin fruiting. Initial behavior shows a wave of colonizing cells that leave the initial inoculum to glide along the surface scavenging food. Movement within the inoculum shows shifting aggregates, that later stop and darken as cells differentiate to dormant spores. Cells outside the inoculum stay active, searching for food. Spacial scale, frame is 2 cm wide. Time scale, 5 days real time.
(2015.03.16)