Predatory bacteria share strategies with macro predators (IMAGE)

Northern Arizona University

Predatory bacteria share strategies with macro predators

Caption

Predatory bacteria can be seen to parallel the strategies of much larger, familiar predators. The taxon Lysobacter pursues larger cells in "wolf-pack" swarms, tearing open the prey's membrane via secreted enzymes that serve as "jaws." Like a vampire bat that bites a victim to release blood, Vampirovibrio attaches itself to larger prey and pierces a hole to release the cell's liquid contents, which it then "drinks" via its own membrane.

Credit

Victor O. Leshyk, Center for Ecosystem Science and Society

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