February 2016 PMID 26833416

Rapid Evolution of Citrate Utilization by Escherichia coli by Direct Selection Requires citT and dctA.

Dustin J Van Hofwegen, Carolyn J Hovde, Scott A Minnich

Download social card

Mentions

47
Peak: 3 in Feb 2024
across 6 sources since Mar 2019

Extended reach

164,540
potential audience

Total likes

1,116

Video views

21,551

Mentions per month

Mar 2019 – Jul 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter34 posts
  • Blogs5 articles
  • News3 articles
  • Facebook2 posts
  • Reddit2 posts
  • YouTube1 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The group collectively celebrates the study as evidence of rapid evolution, with examples such as references to gene activation within 12 generations and debates questioning old assumptions about mutation gains. The tone combines scientific curiosity with enthusiasm, highlighting the significance of experimental confirmation and challenging outdated theories.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions agree that the findings demonstrate rapid bacterial evolution, supporting the study’s conclusions about genetic mutations enabling citrate utilization.

InterestHigh interest

Participants show high enthusiasm, referencing complex genetic mechanisms and emphasizing significant implications for microbial evolution research.

EngagementHigh engagement

Users actively debate methods, results, and implications, with many providing detailed examples and citing specific mutations like citT and dctA.

ImpactHigh impact

The discussions suggest the findings are considered highly impactful, challenging traditional views on mutation constraints and demonstrating experimental reproducibility and significance.

Abstract in brief

  • The study shows that Escherichia coli can rapidly evolve the ability to utilize citrate aerobically through a series of genetic mutations, particularly involving citT and dctABR, with mutations appearing as quickly as 12 generations.
  • This evolution process involves potentiation, actualization, and refinement mutations, which were confirmed through genome sequencing and functional tests, leading to mutants that can grow on citrate in minimal media.
  • The findings imply that adaptive mutations like citT activation are critical in bacterial metabolic innovation and can occur repeatedly and rapidly under selective pressure, contributing to microbial evolution and potential speciation.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Eran Efrat
@Eran_Efrat · X

הניסוי- https://t.co/DWEeCahffp https://t.co/5E2yIJ9Jl4 https://t.co/w04NC7bvo8

Apr 14, 2023 · 46 likes · 1 share · 61,864 followers View post →
GD.
@ZaGareth · X

@King0fRoaches @paulogia0 Just because you don't understand the evidence doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Even if you pull the "it's still bacteria" card micro evolution can be shown (except it is actually macro evolution). Yet were still waiting on micro-god proof. https://t.co/14zxFTwkqJ

Aug 31, 2022 · 7 likes · 202 followers View post →
Divinely Designed
@DivinelyDesined · X

A 2016 peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Bacteriology, “Rapid Evolution of Citrate Utilization by Escherichia coli by Direct Selection Requires citT and dctA,” co-authored by Dustin Van Hofwegen and biologists Scott Minnich and Carolyn Hovde, witnessed the same trait arise in https://t.co/ShNRiLvfLj

Apr 3, 2025 · 5 likes · 1 share · 5,116 followers View post →
اياد
@EvolutionFaults · X

(22) تجربة لينسكي R. Lenski E. coli long-term evolution experiment لإثبات تطور البكتريا الى نوع جديد لم يتم اثبات فيها أي تطور معلوماتي في الشفرة الوراثية المصدر Rapid Evolution of Citrate Utilization by Escherichia coli by Direct Selection Requires citT and dctA https://t.co/HnDfuWZD0t

Mar 7, 2019 · 5 likes · 1 share · 1,224 followers View post →
Sebastian S. Cocioba
@ATinyGreenCell · X

Following this paper to ferret out the exact mutations and order primers or whole resynth of the two genes responsible. Sweet and Sour Ecoli was not on my 2024 bingo card... https://t.co/iWV69tlZFS

Jun 22, 2024 · 4 likes · 31,322 followers View post →
dirk_fasshauer
@dirk_fasshauer · X

@SDAFS56788141 @randomizer88996 @FiendInno @RossGilroy @MilesMosley6662 @JMIglesias7 @JustUnderReal @MucusMucous1 @brisco_0317 @hoothathuh @giddy_bunny @michellewither6 @Raven4212 @Wantmy2dollars_ @magicaltime123 @StillDizzy2 @EMNODAERTTONOD @TW175663056 @Vickie627 @enitas13 @NHoomans @BagORichards @Emperor_Mollari @horusrage @basil_ireton @Krispi_Largo @MindfulDamage @mirandaisrisen @TJMair @OnlyaMoment3 @RachelT921 @ScientiaPercept @TertiusIV @ViewVictory2024 @Wolfpak561 @KenWali1 Read the publication: https://t.co/gMI7CxKboR

Jul 20, 2025 · 3 likes · 1,684 followers View post →

All mentions

dirk_fasshauer
@dirk_fasshauer · X

@SDAFS56788141 @randomizer88996 @FiendInno @RossGilroy @MilesMosley6662 @JMIglesias7 @JustUnderReal @MucusMucous1 @brisco_0317 @hoothathuh @giddy_bunny @michellewither6 @Raven4212 @Wantmy2dollars_ @magicaltime123 @StillDizzy2 @EMNODAERTTONOD @TW175663056 @Vickie627 @enitas13 @NHoomans @BagORichards @Emperor_Mollari @horusrage @basil_ireton @Krispi_Largo @MindfulDamage @mirandaisrisen @TJMair @OnlyaMoment3 @RachelT921 @ScientiaPercept @TertiusIV @ViewVictory2024 @Wolfpak561 @KenWali1 Read the publication: https://t.co/gMI7CxKboR

Jul 20, 2025 · 3 likes · 1,684 followers View post →
Zephyr 4☧
@zephyr_wild · X

RT @DivinelyDesined: A 2016 peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Bacteriology, “Rapid Evolution of Citrate Utilization by Escherichia coli…

Apr 3, 2025 · 1 share · 382 followers View post →
Divinely Designed
@DivinelyDesined · X

A 2016 peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Bacteriology, “Rapid Evolution of Citrate Utilization by Escherichia coli by Direct Selection Requires citT and dctA,” co-authored by Dustin Van Hofwegen and biologists Scott Minnich and Carolyn Hovde, witnessed the same trait arise in https://t.co/ShNRiLvfLj

Apr 3, 2025 · 5 likes · 1 share · 5,116 followers View post →
oomph
@TheBroosh · X

@theistmodern @OctoberFerguson @Lilith_Atheist https://t.co/IsxBYRlCXP

Mar 10, 2025 · 53 followers View post →
oomph
@TheBroosh · X

@theistmodern @OctoberFerguson @Lilith_Atheist https://t.co/IsxBYRlCXP

Mar 10, 2025 · 53 followers View post →
Auldluð
@oldluth · X

@Erik08624065 @_shimmerwolf_ 4. A more recent study sheds light on the mechanism whereby wild-derived ecoli can come to express this protein in aerobic environments within as few as 12 generations through common bacterial gene regulation processes. https://t.co/MmAEjrCHkS https://t.co/bkZWNj3BkB

Jan 10, 2025 · 1 like · 2,504 followers View post →
oomph
@TheBroosh · X

@WardenCringe @KingofSkittles1 @Norse_Chieftain @RealHeavyDarok @Lilith_Atheist https://t.co/IsxBYRmaNn

Dec 11, 2024 · 53 followers View post →
The Progressing Pilgrim
@The_Pilgrim67 · X

@Ausbloke93 @onlychrispark https://t.co/ui05s8in64

Dec 9, 2024 · 546 followers View post →
The Progressing Pilgrim
@The_Pilgrim67 · X

@onlychrispark https://t.co/ui05s8iUVC

Dec 9, 2024 · 1 like · 546 followers View post →
Pieter Borger
@BorgerPieter · X

@Faktantarkast10 @PeterKonings7 @luisbaram Indeed. The citrate Metabolism , which is normally Switched off, was Switched on on the presence of Oxygen. It is a very easy to reach result as shown by others (not by our media). It preprogrammed Variation. https://t.co/KZ3E9fC4wZ

Sep 18, 2024 · 2 likes · 30,313 followers View post →
The Progressing Pilgrim
@The_Pilgrim67 · X

@AndyWesterson @bonsaibean @NotEvolution1 It doesn't work. Here have fun with this. https://t.co/ui05s8in64

Aug 10, 2024 · 546 followers View post →
oomph
@TheBroosh · X

@EMaxwell56 @Gutsick_Gibbon @Josh43E611 https://t.co/MecaZw9C1u So what does this support?

Jul 3, 2024 · 53 followers View post →
Sebastian S. Cocioba
@ATinyGreenCell · X

Following this paper to ferret out the exact mutations and order primers or whole resynth of the two genes responsible. Sweet and Sour Ecoli was not on my 2024 bingo card... https://t.co/iWV69tlZFS

Jun 22, 2024 · 4 likes · 31,322 followers View post →
oomph
@TheBroosh · X

@JasonTruth7 @JacksonWheat1 "Mutation doesn’t equal addition, it is either a linear scramble (as in corruption) or loss of information." False https://t.co/IsxBYRlCXP

May 16, 2024 · 53 followers View post →
oomph
@TheBroosh · X

@DANTEBALBOA1 @siriusandlucy @SentinelSam1 @NotEvolution1 "Species can lose information or modify it, but not gain it (70,000 generations of E. coli)." The LTEE disproves this completely https://t.co/IsxBYRlCXP

May 13, 2024 · 53 followers View post →
umfpt
@umfpt · X

@downs1nthehouse @ArchLuminous @AdorablePodcast @ChrisHildabrant @penguinteamsix @A_Damned_mk2 @Wolfpak561 @Melanie33720945 @dirk_fasshauer @IngridIngwah @edielizzard1 @D1scoJerrys @Flaffenbam @SeamusOBrien42 @JHerbatov @MancSatanist @godrottdot1 @SPITSTER01 @LeeTWimberly @DemonFly666 @ScientiaPercept @GubbenPetterss1 @wpcguy @Cern_lXXl @kim_because @merhart2112 @TheRingmaster32 @Anticommiememes @impeachqueen @amItessOrNotLol @rubblebubb15764 @CryLeftists @NairbOtto @SecularSmurf @BrianNazarenus @DarkCowboyGod @Bumpalump99 @The_Real_BiM @WooWooSpaceJew @edgy_knife @zypisfy @Janetb172 @Cat_In_A_Box @TessFromWessex @Hedgewytch @Simple_Shaman @WondersNorbit @TheAverageNova @willsworldview @pray2pesci Did you mean: Rapid Evolution of Citrate Utilization by Escherichia coli by Direct Selection Requires citT and dctA

Apr 23, 2024 · 1 like · 1,217 followers View post →
oomph
@TheBroosh · X

@RoblovesJC @jr230303 @BXMMA @JacksonWheat1 https://t.co/IsxBYRlCXP A literal example of evolution right here

Mar 18, 2024 · 53 followers View post →
oomph
@TheBroosh · X

@BigBLupo @JWaynoze @Paultheheretic This is for that stupid claim that mutations are never positive https://t.co/IsxBYRlCXP

Mar 4, 2024 · 53 followers View post →
oomph
@TheBroosh · X

@ApoloJedi_ @KellyPearsall3 "and mutations have only ever been observed to be degenerative or neutral," https://t.co/IsxBYRlCXP

Feb 27, 2024 · 53 followers View post →
Mark
@Dead_to_Sin · X

@xFortune @tentaclenews @DiscoveryCSC Here check this out. https://t.co/KC52erDI4b

Feb 25, 2024 · 92 followers View post →
oomph
@TheBroosh · X

@John_3__16 @Ah_Science @NotEvolution1 @SimplyBriaRose @MrMacias712 https://t.co/IsxBYRlCXP You're just horribly uninformed then if you think it doesn't happen

Feb 24, 2024 · 53 followers View post →
Dr Theosib, CPU expert
@theosib2 · X

@MathezarT @1karus_ @Alliste35661241 @Nervardia Start simple. Imagine you have several copies of a gene for some enzyme. But then one of the copies undergoes a mutation that allows you to metabolize something else, giving you an advantage. Something similar happened here: https://t.co/Nd9g6QUE1a

Jan 19, 2024 · 2 likes · 1,410 followers View post →
Tidy Roger
@RogerTidy · X

@NotEvolution1 @DorsetCouple @leroyb756 @25_cycle @TakeThatDarwin @edwin_klein @Swamprat143 @kungfuXander Evolution passes all of your criteria. Here is an example of an instance of evolution being observed, tested (via repetition), and Gould's "theory of contingency" being falsified: https://t.co/DPGhi7ENgf

Nov 2, 2023 · 2 likes · 634 followers View post →
Tidy Roger
@RogerTidy · X

@BenSBG777 @WildBulldozer @sm_ar_ta_ss @wendelltalks That's not what the study says: https://t.co/DPGhi7ENgf

Nov 1, 2023 · 1 like · 634 followers View post →
Dawble
@Bawby345 · X

@downs1nthehouse @TakeThatDarwin @DvdButler @horsepro001 @PnMuntergk @rantyskeptic @kayessdub @robjGoldberg @ZGoldenGrimlock @bcbiochemist @Phillip7711 @TJaytheist @carlbramhall @EricRaine11 @dan_cameron99 https://t.co/6mVsxdMGtB https://t.co/rkAuVOsIyx https://t.co/ZNnicp1zHA https://t.co/BtrSh8Cc61

Aug 24, 2023 · 1 like · 48 followers View post →
Simpletech
@Simpletech216 · X

@ZGoldenGrimlock @dan_cameron99 @Jae_N_1753 @TakeThatDarwin @CelticRover42 @ashleymwilcox yes it did. come back when you need me to define the big words Rapid Evolution of Citrate Utilization by Escherichia coli by Direct Selection Requires citT and dctA,Rapid Evolution of Citrate Utilization by Escherichia coli by Direct Selection Requires citT and dctA,

Aug 17, 2023 · 164 followers View post →
companyman
@companyman · X

@leroyb756 @downs1nthehouse @AaronWL42 https://t.co/j7TPSqhovI

Jul 7, 2023 · 505 followers View post →
Tomer
@jerbytomer · X

RT @Eran_Efrat: הניסוי- https://t.co/DWEeCahffp https://t.co/5E2yIJ9Jl4 https://t.co/w04NC7bvo8

Apr 14, 2023 · 1 share · 265 followers View post →
Eran Efrat
@Eran_Efrat · X

הניסוי- https://t.co/DWEeCahffp https://t.co/5E2yIJ9Jl4 https://t.co/w04NC7bvo8

Apr 14, 2023 · 46 likes · 1 share · 61,864 followers View post →
GD.
@ZaGareth · X

@King0fRoaches @paulogia0 Just because you don't understand the evidence doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Even if you pull the "it's still bacteria" card micro evolution can be shown (except it is actually macro evolution). Yet were still waiting on micro-god proof. https://t.co/14zxFTwkqJ

Aug 31, 2022 · 7 likes · 202 followers View post →
Tim Lewis ✝️
@tlewis3348 · X

@TJaytheist @TakeThatDarwin @Dalcassian11 @EronMain @razvalkin @kkhbro @jordanbpeterson So you think a photocopier does create new info? LOL On nylonase, your statement is at least 15yrs outdated. See: https://t.co/qf8yT5mkm3 The E. coli citrase claim is 6yrs outdated: https://t.co/4mLXuoBUoj

Apr 10, 2022 · 256 followers View post →
Micah Ministries
@MinistriesMicah · X

@PoCXSNDP @shinynix @CarlThePainter @paulogia0 https://t.co/ZS0Km5LC5l no, " Here we show why it probably was not a speciation event. Using similar media, 46 independent citrate-utilizing mutants were isolated in as few as 12 to 100 generations."

Nov 11, 2021 · 488 followers View post →
Micah Ministries
@MinistriesMicah · X

@PoCXSNDP @shinynix @CarlThePainter @paulogia0 Moreover Scott Minnich recreated this experiment and his team done it much faster, in weeks not decades. His conclusions were "No new genetic information (novel gene function) evolved." https://t.co/ptVxRB3ebI

Nov 11, 2021 · 488 followers View post →
اياد
@EvolutionFaults · X

(22) تجربة لينسكي R. Lenski E. coli long-term evolution experiment لإثبات تطور البكتريا الى نوع جديد لم يتم اثبات فيها أي تطور معلوماتي في الشفرة الوراثية المصدر Rapid Evolution of Citrate Utilization by Escherichia coli by Direct Selection Requires citT and dctA https://t.co/HnDfuWZD0t

Mar 7, 2019 · 5 likes · 1 share · 1,224 followers View post →