Relevance of biofilm bacteria in modulating the larval metamorphosis of Balanus amphitrite

Abstract

Balanus amphitrite, on its larval metamorphosis. The effect of multispecies bacterial film was also assessed. The production of different molecules by the bacteria was influenced by the nutrient media under which they were grown. It was observed that the promotory multispecies bacterial film turned to inhibition mode in the presence of the adult extract (AE) of the barnacle, indicating Bacteria-AE interactions to alter the synthesis of different compounds produced by bacteria. The studies also show that the water borne and the surface associated cues from the bacteria function differentially in mediating larval metamorphosis. Understanding the complexities involved in such interactions and identification of the factors governing them would be a step ahead.