The Biofilms Structural Database

Glossary

Category

Type of protein, associated with function

Mechanism

Mechanism by which the protein is associated with biofilm formation and development

Autoinducer type

QS bacteria produce and release chemical signal molecules called autoinducers (AIs). They can be one of three types: Acyl-homoserine-lactones (AI-1), used by Gram-negative bacteria; AutoInducing peptides (AIPs), used by Gram-positive bacteria; and AI-2, used by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria

Organism

Identification of the bacteria

Gram-type

Distinction between Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria

Ligand

Molecule bound to protein with a role in the biofilm-related mechanism

Mutagenesis

Mutagenesis data for identifying protein positions that are important for function or ligand binding

Pathway

Biological pathway in which these proteins are included

Method

Experimental method used to obtain the atomic information

Quorum Sensing (QS)

Intercellular chemical communication process between bacteria that allows them to share information about cell density and adjust gene expression

EPS

Extracellular polymeric substances - the EPS matrix encloses, supports and protects the bacteria within it