Human Mouth Bacteria Exhibit Extraordinary Cell Division

Research from the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and ADA Forsyth has revealed a rare cell division process in Corynebacterium matruchotii, a common bacterium found in dental plaque. The bacterium undergoes a process called multiple fission, where it splits into multiple cells simultaneously. This discovery provides insights into how these bacteria proliferate, compete for resources, and maintain structural integrity within the biofilm environment of dental plaque. The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The research builds on previous studies that utilized imaging techniques to visualize the spatial organization of dental plaque. The team observed that these filamentous bacteria grow in threads and multiply up to 14 times through a process called "tip extension," where growth occurs at one pole of the mother filament. This unique cell division and elongation strategy may help the bacteria explore their environment and differentiate themselves from other species within the complex ecosystem of dental plaque.