Microbial adaptation to a changeable environment: Cell-cell interactions mediate physiological and genetic differentiation

Recent work by Magnuson, Solomon and Grossman⁽¹⁾ adds to a growing body of evidence indicating that microorganisms possess sophisticated signaling systems that enable them to sense and respond to environmental challenges. Typically, this response results in morphological, physiological and even genetic differentiation, paralleling that observed among higher organisms. These signaling systems may be interpreted as adaptations that maximize the reproductive potential of a population.