# Interplay of Spatial Structure and Interactions in Microbial Communities

## TL;DR

This paper explores how spatial environments influence microbial growth and interactions, and how microbes in turn shape their spatial organization.

## Contribution

The paper provides a framework to understand the interplay between spatial structure, microbial interactions, and community organization.

## Key findings

- Spatial structure affects microbial growth and interactions.
- Microbial growth can amplify existing spatial structures.
- Mathematical models help reveal how spatial structure influences community assembly.

## Abstract

Given that most microbes experience spatially structured environments, examining how such environments affect microbial growth and functions is paramount. Previous studies have shown that a spatially structured environment can impact microbial growth and interactions, and that microbial growth can create or magnify spatial structure. Here, we review some of these instances of past studies to develop a consistent framework that highlights the interplay between microbial interactions, spatial structure of the environment and spatial organisation of microbes. We re‐examine the level, degree and scale of spatial structure with regard to the phenomena and biological processes of interest. We then discuss how mathematical models can reveal the contribution of the spatial structure to community assembly and coexistence. Lastly, we offer an outlook on important steps for the progress of this field.

A description of the interplay between microbial growth and interactions, the spatial structure of the environment and the spatial organisation of microbial populations can improve our understanding of the ecology of microbial communities. We review previous studies that highlight different aspects of this interplay.