Chemotaxis toward amino acids by Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus

Abstract

Chemotaxis toward amino acids by B. bacteriovorus strain UKi2 was studied by the capillary technique. Chemotaxis was optimal when the capillaries were incubated at between 15.degree.-40.degree. C for 30 min; the optimal pH was between 7.0-8.2. The chemotactic response was proportional to the density of the suspension of bdellovibrios up to a density of 108 cells/ml. B. bacteriovorus was attracted to L-asparagine, L-cysteine, L-glutamine, glycine, L-histidine, L-lysine and L-threonine. The possible roles of chemotaxis in the life of B. bacteriovorus are discussed.