Biochemical Ecology. The activity of microbes in the soil ecosystem is modulated by biochemicals emitted by the resident microbes. Our studies have shown that signal molecules emitted by N. europaea include quorum-sensing compounds and as yet uncharacterized inhibitory substances |
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Detection and identification of quorum-sensing molecules. A variety of acylhomoserine lactones (AHL) are produced by bacteria, which modulate the behavior of the producer or other receptor bacteria. The production of these molecules by a strain of N. europaea usolated from soil was reported by Batchleor et al. (1997). However, tnumber and types of AHL produced by N. europaea were not identified. Our recent work has lead to preliminary identification of these molecules. |
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Dertection of inhibitory compounds. N. europaea proiduces a compound or compounds that that strongly inhibits the growth of other bacteria. This material was recovered in cell extracts prepared for anlysis of AHL. The identity of the substance is as yet unknown. |
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