Non-Genetic Diversity in Chemosensing and Chemotactic Behavior

Abstract

Non-genetic phenotypic diversity plays a significant role in the chemotactic behavior of bacteria, influencing how populations sense and respond to chemical stimuli. First, we review the molecular mechanisms that generate phenotypic diversity in bacterial chemotaxis. Next, we discuss the functional consequences of phenotypic diversity for the chemosensing and chemotactic performance of single cells and populations. Finally, we discuss mechanisms that modulate the amount of phenotypic diversity in chemosensory parameters in response to changes in the environment.

Keywords

• bacterial chemotaxis
• chemoreceptors
• receptor clusters
• phenotypic diversity
• stochastic gene expression
• fluctuations