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DeviantlyD -> RE: Gastrointestinal Bacteria (6/22/2011 3:28:35 AM)
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That was cool! But I can't help wonder a couple of things. The speaker talked about using a chemical that would mimic the generic enzyme that is involved in inter-communications to be used as a broad spectrum antibiotic. But...what about the normal flora? That's going to muck up the "good" bacteria and their communications. I guess it isn't too much different than what may happen now with some antibiotics, but this is different in that it would be a true broad spectrum with an affinity for all bacterial types. The other question I can't help wonder about is...how long will it take before mutant forms of bacteria (where the cellular receptors are mutated) arise and potentially allow for an alternate form of communication that isn't present in the antibiotic? I found it very interesting to see the six carbon ring that is the identical portion of the enzymes found with intracellular communication. It suggests that all bacteria had a common ancestor, as does the inter-cellular communication enzyme. Very interesting. I can't help think of what one of my med micro profs said about pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria...something along the lines of being bacteria that hadn't figured out a way to get along with their host, or be symbiotic because it does bacteria no good to kill their host. Eventually they will die off as their host is consumed. They have a better chance of survival if they can live in harmony with their host. It made sense. :)
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