Article
Initiation of swarming in Bacillus subtilis as a resolution for the sorites paradox in bacteria.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America - 21 Apr 2026
Jose Ajesh, Omer Bendori Shira, Eldar Avigdor, Kearns Daniel B, Ariel Gil, Be'er Avraham
Abstract excerpt
As a single cell grows and multiplies, at what stage does it constitute a swarm? Here, we provide an answer for Bacillus subtilis. We place single planktonic cells onto agar and monitor the biological and physical phases as they transition into an active, swarming cohort. We identify four distinct, nonoverlapping stages enroute to swarming. Using different mutants, we pinpoint the roles of specific cellular...
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