Here we investigate the chemotaxis signalling pathways of R. sphaeroides cells. We begin with a summary of the experimental and theoretical literature that represents the current understanding of chemotaxis in R. sphaeroides cells. A recent mathematical model of this system is then presented alongside a discussion of the main assumptions and simplifications used in its formulation. In particular, we consider a non-dimensional re-scaling. This is then used to demonstrate that there exists just one biologically feasible equilibrium state. Stability analysis then shows this equilibrium state to be asymptotically stable and the resulting eigenvalues are examined in order to assess the stiffness of the model system. Finally, we identify the need for new ideas by showing that this model fails to capture behaviour observed in recent experimental work.

Here we investigate the chemotaxis signalling pathways of R. sphaeroides cells.