Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Prindle A
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4890463 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Nature 20151021 7576
The study of bacterial ion channels has provided fundamental insights into the structural basis of neuronal signalling; however, the native role of ion channels in bacteria has remained elusive. Here we show that ion channels conduct long-range electrical signals within bacterial biofilm communities through spatially propagating waves of potassium. These waves result from a positive feedback loop, in which a metabolic trigger induces release of intracellular potassium, which in turn depolarizes ...[more]