Bacteria are �big thinkers�

Scientists at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville have found that bacteria are �big thinkers� and more capable of complex decision-making than previously thought, a discovery that could lead to innovations in medicine and agriculture fields.Until now, scientists have been unable to study how bacteria�s individual receptors directly affect their behaviour and ability to adapt to the environment.


Gladys Alexandre and her team looked at the functioning of complex soil bacterium Azospirillum brasilense�s receptors. And they came to the conclusion that with the help of the amino acids in the sensory part of the receptor, bacteria can feel about the environment around them.

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