The bacteriocin family is the most abundant and diverse group of bacterial defense systems.
Bacteriocins range from the well-studied narrow spectrum, high molecular weight colicins
produced by Escherichia coli and the short polypeptide lantibiotics of lactic acid bacteria to
the relatively unknown halocins produced almost universally by the haolobacteria. The
abundance and diversity of this potent arsenal of weapons is clear. Less clear is their
evolutionary origins and the role they play in mediating microbial interactions. The goal of�…