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Abstract
We present a generic mechanism by which reproducing microorganisms, with a diffusivity that depends on the local population density, can form stable patterns. For instance, it is known that a decrease of bacterial motility with density can promote separation into bulk phases of two coexisting densities; this is opposed by the logistic law for birth and death that allows only a single uniform density to be stable. The result of this contest is an arrested nonequilibrium phase separation in which dense droplets or rings become separated by less dense regions, with a characteristic steady-state length scale. Cell division predominates in the dilute regions and cell death in the dense ones, with a continuous flux between these sustained by the diffusivity gradient. We formulate a mathematical model of this in a case involving run-and-tumble bacteria and make connections with a wider class of mechanisms for density-dependent motility. No chemotaxis is assumed in the model, yet it predicts the formation of patterns strikingly similar to some of those believed to result from chemotactic behavior.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 11715-11720 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |
Volume | 107 |
Issue number | 26 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 29 Jun 2010 |
Keywords
- bacterial colonies
- chemotactic patterns
- non-Brownian diffusion
- collective behavior
- microbial aggregation
- GIANT NUMBER FLUCTUATIONS
- ESCHERICHIA-COLI
- HYDRODYNAMICS
- MOTILITY
- CELLS
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Dive into the research topics of 'Arrested phase separation in reproducing bacteria creates a generic route to pattern formation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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Edinbugrh Soft Matter and Statistical Physics Programme Grant Renewal
Cates, M., Poon, W., Ackland, G., Clegg, P., Evans, M., MacPhee, C. & Marenduzzo, D.
1/10/07 → 31/03/12
Project: Research