BacterioFiles 271 - Dictyostelium Delivers DNA Deathtraps

Sentinel cells fluorescing green
Credit: Xuezhi Zhang

This episode: Slime molds have special cells that capture and kill bacteria using traps made of DNA!
Download Episode (11.2 MB, 12.25 minutes)

Show notes:
Follow-up study from ep 255 group related to this study

Link to Audiommunity episode about Neutrophil Extracellular Traps

Journal Paper:
Zhang X, Zhuchenko O, Kuspa A, Soldati T. 2016. Social amoebae trap and kill bacteria by casting DNA nets. Nat Commun 7:10938.

Other interesting stories:

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Bacteria can convert algae directly into ethanol (paper)

Certain chronic virus infections could indicate your family history

Viruses can transfer pigment production ability between bacteria

Different sizes of bacteria impose different limitations

Post questions or comments here or email to bacteriofiles@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!

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