| Popis: |
Bacterial surface-associated polysaccharides represent the first line of defense towards the outside environment. Hence, the ability of bacteria to quickly respond and adapt to external conditions directly impacts their overall fitness and survival. Throughout evolution, bacteria have evolved multiple mechanisms that help them survive in the often harsh and extreme conditions of their host immune systems or other natural habitats. Among them, alteration of the cell surface associated components such as polysaccharides and/or lipids and transition to a metabolically dormant, biofilm-forming lifestyle are some of the most widely employed adaptation strategies. |
