Evolution in Long-Term Stationary-Phase Batch Culture: Emergence of Divergent Escherichia coli Lineages over 1,200 Days

Abstract

cells was incubated for 1,200 days in long-term batch culture, without the addition of new medium, requiring cells to continuously recycle nutrients. Whole-genome resequencing of cells from the evolving population identified two dominant subpopulations that coexisted while continuously acquiring and fixing new mutations. The population dynamics and alleles identified provide insight into adaptation to nutrient stress. Elucidating mechanisms that allow bacteria to adapt through cycles of feast and famine deepens our understanding of their survival mechanisms in nature.

Topics & Concepts