A group of researchers from Nottingham Trent University and Loughborough University have uncovered the physical mechanism behind the formation of geometric patterns made by blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria, an ancient and abundant form of life, played a crucial role in the evolution of our planet as they were the first organisms to develop photosynthesis, thereby oxygenating the Earth’s environment. The findings of this study, led by Ph.D. students Mixon Faluweki and Jan Cammann, have been published in the journal Physical Review Letters.
Cyanobacteria are often observed as slippery green slime in stagnant water, riverbeds, and seashores. They also grow into long chains of cells that weave together into large networks of filaments. The origin of these reticulate or web-like patterns has long puzzled scientists, but using advanced microscopy techniques, simulations, and theoretical models, the researchers were able to shed light on this phenomenon.
The team discovered that when cyanobacteria reach a high enough density, they begin to organize into their reticulate pattern through a few simple rules. As the bacteria move, they occasionally bump into each other. While most instances result in filaments passing over or under each other, there are cases where one filament deflects and aligns itself with another. These two filaments follow each other for a period before one splits away. These interactions lead to the formation of bundles of aligned filaments, which in turn create sprawling networks.
To test their findings, the researchers developed a model that accurately predicts the typical density and scale of the emergent patterns. The model also accounts for the movement and shape fluctuations of the filaments. By understanding how cyanobacteria self-organize to form structures, the study opens doors for future investigations on how different types of bacteria create biofilms. Biofilms, which are collections of bacteria that attach to surfaces and each other, play a crucial role in processes such as human infections, environmental degradation, and bioengineering.
Dr. Marco Mazza, an assistant professor in Applied Mathematics at Loughborough University, highlighted the importance of the research, stating, “We have demonstrated that the emergent patterns of cyanobacteria colonies can be understood as the collective result of independently moving cells with simple interactions.” He added that modern tools of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics can provide powerful predictions even in living systems.
Dr. Lucas Goehring, a professor of Physics at Nottingham Trent University, emphasized the significance of cyanobacteria, stating that they are one of the Earth’s most abundant and ancient organisms responsible for creating photosynthesis. He further noted that they are perhaps the earliest organisms to experiment with multicellularity. Despite their important role in the development of complex life, until now, no mechanism had been identified to explain their collective behavior.
This study not only offers insights into the behavior of cyanobacteria but also contributes to our understanding of how bacterial biofilms form. As we gain more knowledge in this area, we can better tackle various challenges related to human health, environmental preservation, and bioengineering.
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