The function of cells in their native habitat often cannot be reliably predicted from genomic
data or from physiology studies of isolates. Traditional experimental approaches to study the …

Most of the genetic, cellular, and biochemical diversity of life rests within single-celled
organisms—the prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and microbial eukaryotes (protists) …

Animal hosts have initiated myriad symbiotic associations with microorganisms and often
have maintained these symbioses for millions of years, spanning drastic changes in …

Insecticide resistance is one of the most serious problems in contemporary agriculture and
public health. Although recent studies revealed that insect gut symbionts contribute to …

Bacteriocytes are host cells specialized to harbor symbionts in certain insect taxa. The
adaptation, development, and evolution of bacteriocytes underlie insect symbiosis …

While the importance of mutualisms across the tree of life is recognized, it is not understood
why some organisms evolve high levels of dependence on mutualistic partnerships, while …

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is one of the most important processes in prokaryote
evolution. The sharing of DNA can spread neutral or beneficial genes, as well as genetic …

Cell‐in‐shell biohybrid structures, synthesized by encapsulating individual living cells with
exogenous materials, have emerged as exciting functional entities for engineered living …