University of Groningen
On the origin and function of phenotypic variation in bacteria Moreno Gamez, Stefany
DOI:
10.33612/diss.146787466
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Publication date: 2020
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Moreno Gamez, S. (2020). On the origin and function of phenotypic variation in bacteria. University of Groningen. https://doi.org/10.33612/diss.146787466
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Stellingen behorende bij het proefschrift On the origin and function of phenotypic variation in bacteria Stefany Moreno-Gámez 1. Bacteria in nature spend most of their time in starved states. Yet, most research focuses on studying growing bacteria so the physiology of starvation and the consequences of a feast-and-famine existence remain poorly characterized. 2. Despite growth arrest, bacterial cells are dynamically changing during starvation in a way that is highly individual and reflects the conditions before starvation. This thesis, Chapters 2 and 3 3. Bacteria can diversify phenotypically to cope with fluctuating environments. Although this strategy produces poorly adapted individuals, this cost is minor when phenotypic minorities dominate population-level dynamics. This thesis, Chapter 2 4. Phenotypic memory can be detrimental for bacteria even when they encounter the same environment repeatedly. This thesis, Chapter 3 5. Bacteria can use quorum sensing to collectively sense their environment and harness the wisdom of the crowds. This thesis, Chapter 5 6. Studying the evolution of phenotypic diversity from a purely genetic perspective neglects major sources of phenotypic variation. This thesis 7. Taking a systems-level perspective spanning across different levels of biological organization is essential to understand the origin and function of phenotypic variation. This thesis 8. “The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.” Carl Sagan 9. Science is one of the most humbling yet empowering journeys one can pursue in life. As such, it constitutes a powerful way to not only challenge paradigms but also to break stereotypes. 10. “The thing about football - the important thing about football - is that it is not just about football.” Terry Pratchett
