Fundamentals of Microbiology

4.1.6 Predation

Predator organism engulfs or attacks a prey organism; prey can be larger or smaller than predator; normally results in death of prey. Predatory bacteria are known (e.g., Bdellovibrio, Vampirococcus, and Daptobacter); may cause lysis of prey, release of cell contents while attached to surface of prey, or penetrate cytoplasm of prey.