HOW DO MICROBIAL POPULATIONS AND COMMUNITIES FUNCTION AS MODEL SYSTEMS?

Academic Article

Abstract

  • Microbial model systems have made major contributions across the life sciences. Their influence extends beyond strictly microbiological research to inform and enhance general biological understanding. To cast light on how microbial populations and communities function as model systems, we examine their use in historical and contemporary research on evolutionary and ecological dynamics. We assess the pros and cons of microbial model systems, and identify specific ways in which they benefit research. Analyzing microbial model systems is of particular value as biologists become increasingly aware of the microbial world and its interactions with the rest of life.

    • Authors

  • O'Malley, Maureen A
  • Travisano, Michael
  • Velicer, Gregory J
  • Bolker, Jessica

    • Status

    Publication Date

  • September 2015

    • Has Subject Area

    Published In

    Keywords

  • Animals
  • Bacteria
  • Biological Evolution
  • Ecosystem
  • Fungi
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal
  • Genetics, Population
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Microbial Interactions
  • Microbiota
  • Models, Biological
  • Population Dynamics
  • Selection, Genetic
  • Species Specificity

    • Digital Object Identifier (doi)

    Pubmed Id

  • 26591851

    • Start Page

  • 269

    • End Page

  • 293

    • Volume

  • 90

    • Issue

  • 3