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University of South Carolina

Bacteria

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Full-Text Articles in Public Health

Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances (Epss) In Ocean Systems, Alan W. Decho, Tony Gutierrez May 2017

Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances (Epss) In Ocean Systems, Alan W. Decho, Tony Gutierrez

Faculty Publications

Microbial cells (i.e., bacteria, archaea, microeukaryotes) in oceans secrete a diverse array of large molecules, collectively called extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) or simply exopolymers. These secretions facilitate attachment to surfaces that lead to the formation of structured ‘biofilm’ communities. In open-water environments, they also lead to formation of organic colloids, and larger aggregations of cells, called ‘marine snow.’ Secretion of EPS is now recognized as a fundamental microbial adaptation, occurring under many environmental conditions, and one that influences many ocean processes. This relatively recent realization has revolutionized our understanding of microbial impacts on ocean systems. EPS …


Proteolytic Enzymes In The Marine Bacterium Pseudoalteromonas Atlantica: Post-Secretional Activation And Effects Of Environmental Conditions, Monica Hoffman, Alan W. Decho Dec 2000

Proteolytic Enzymes In The Marine Bacterium Pseudoalteromonas Atlantica: Post-Secretional Activation And Effects Of Environmental Conditions, Monica Hoffman, Alan W. Decho

Faculty Publications

Production and activities of cellular and extracellular proteolytic enzymes associated with the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas atlantica were examined in response to physiological state and changing environmental variables under laboratory conditions. Enzymes evidenced by zymography were metalloproteases, as defined by substrate preference and susceptibility to inhibitors (EDTA and 1, 10-phenanthroline). Distinct bands (i.e. molecular-weight [MW] size classes) of enzymes were isolated from within cellular and extracellular compartments. Susceptibility of extracellular enzymes to environmental stressors was related, in part, to the MW size classes of the enzymes. While all bands of enzymes showed some degree of inhibition when pH was decreased, the …