Item – Theses Canada

​
OCLC number
1019486106
Link(s) to full text
LAC copy
Author
Stan, Michelle A.
Title
Biofilm Physiology and Cyclic-di-GMP in Escherichia coli.
Degree
M.S. -- University of Calgary, 2012
Publisher
Ottawa : Library and Archives Canada = Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, 2013.
Description
1 online resource
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
<?Pub Inc> Biofilm formation can occur in response to external cues, and affords bacteria living in these communities enhanced survival to antimicrobials and other stressors, compared to their free-swimming counterparts. The transition from a motile to biofilm lifestyle appears to be controlled by the bacterial messenger, cyclic-di-GMP; which is synthesized and degraded by cyclic-di-GMP metabolizing proteins. The activity of these proteins has been implicated in the regulation of biofilm-associated phenotypes; however, the physiological functions of the majority of these proteins remain unknown. In this thesis, we examined the role of genes encoding for cyclic-di-GMP metabolizing proteins in the formation and antimicrobial susceptibility of 'Escherichia coli ' biofilms. We found that deletion of genes that encode for cyclic-di-GMP metabolizing proteins does not affect the ability of 'E. coli' to form biofilms. Furthermore, we discovered that a subset of these genes may contribute to the resistance mechanisms of biofilms to antimicrobial stress.
ISBN
9780494911488
0494911484
9780494911488