Document Detail


Amplified effect of Brownian motion in bacterial near-surface swimming.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19015518     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Brownian motion influences bacterial swimming by randomizing displacement and direction. Here, we report that the influence of Brownian motion is amplified when it is coupled to hydrodynamic interaction. We examine swimming trajectories of the singly flagellated bacterium Caulobacter crescentus near a glass surface with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and observe large fluctuations over time in the distance of the cell from the solid surface caused by Brownian motion. The observation is compared with computer simulation based on analysis of relevant physical factors, including electrostatics, van der Waals force, hydrodynamics, and Brownian motion. The simulation reproduces the experimental findings and reveals contribution from fluctuations of the cell orientation beyond the resolution of present observation. Coupled with hydrodynamic interaction between the bacterium and the boundary surface, the fluctuations in distance and orientation subsequently lead to variation of the swimming speed and local radius of curvature of swimming trajectory. These results shed light on the fundamental roles of Brownian motion in microbial motility, nutrient uptake, and adhesion.
Authors:
Guanglai Li; Lick-Kong Tam; Jay X Tang
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.     Date:  2008-11-17
Journal Detail:
Title:  Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America     Volume:  105     ISSN:  1091-6490     ISO Abbreviation:  Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.     Publication Date:  2008 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-11-26     Completed Date:  2009-01-07     Revised Date:  2010-09-23    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7505876     Medline TA:  Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  18355-9     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Physics Department, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Bacterial Adhesion
Caulobacter crescentus / physiology*
Microscopy, Fluorescence
Models, Biological
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
GM077648/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS
Comments/Corrections

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