Recording Multicellular Behavior in Myxococcus xanthus Biofilms using Time-lapse MicrocinematographyRion G. Taylor 1, Roy D. Welch 2
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina (USC), 2Department of Biology, Syracuse University
To study Myxococcus xanthus swarm behavior, we have designed a time-lapse microcinematography protocol that can be modified for different assays. It employs standard growth conditions adapted for microscopy, and yields reproducible results by the use of inexpensive, reusable silicone gaskets. We have used this method to quantify multicellular chemotaxis.