Graphical illustration of how EPS is enzymatically degraded in multiple steps into smaller fragments, fueling the growth of non-degrading species: EPS degraders break down EPS into larger oligomers for oligomer consumers; further degradation into monomers and small oligomers supports non-degrading consumers.
What is the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in carbon exchange among microbial species? @sammy-pontrelli.bsky.social &co show that #EPS, formed via #chitin degradation, drives #MicrobialDiversity by acting as a sequentially degraded #CarbonSource @plosbiology.org 🧪 plos.io/3J9kbuu