A working model of cannibalism in the biofilm development of B. velezensis SQR9. (IMAGE)

Science China Press

A working model of cannibalism in the biofilm development of B. velezensis SQR9.

Caption

A subpopulation of cells within the biofilm differentiate into cannibals and secrete toxic bacillunoic acids. Bacillunoic acids activate the transcription of ABC transporter BnaAB via a TCS OmpS/OmpR for self-protection. Exported toxins can lyse bacillunoic acids-nonproducers that lack self-immunity.

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