Abstract
The bdellovibrios are extremely small bacteria with the unique property of being parasites of other (gram-negative) bacteria. In the presence of viable and susceptible bacteria a
Bdellovibrio
cell physically ‘attacks’ an individual host cell, attaches to its surface, penetrates the cell wall, and multiplies within the periplasmic (intramural) space of its prey. The invading
Bdellovibrio
and its progeny degrade and consume the cellular constituents of the invaded host bacterium. This process finally results in complete lysis of the host cell and release of the
Bdellovibrio
progeny. From a population of parasitic bdellovibrios, derivatives can be selected that grow on complex nutrient media. Currently, none of the different nutritional types can be propagated in a fully defined synthetic medium. By degradation of the cellular constituents of the host the
Bdellovibrio
cell in its periplasmic space has available all the monomeric subunits needed for synthesis of the macromolecules. Peculiarities of
Bdellovibrio
metabolism with respect to uptake of preformed molecules and energy efficiency are discussed.
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