Mikroben verändern sich nach Regulationsanweisung individuell
zum gemeinsamen Nutzen eines sozialen Zellverbandes / Biofilms

I (Eshel Ben-Jacob, 1998) emphasize that an agent here is not necessarily a specific single macromolecule. It could be a combination of units or even a collective excitation of the genome performing the specific function. In other words, generally it should be viewed as a conceptual unit, although specifically it might be one macromolecule or a collection of molecules. The crucial point is that, since the cybernators' activity is regulated by holoparameters, it can produce changes in the genome's activity and structure that modify the individual cells in a manner beneficial to the colony as a whole. Thus, the bacteria possess a cybernetic capacity which serves to regulate three levels of interactions: the cybernator, the cell and the colony. The "interest" of the cybernator serves the "purpose" of the colony by readjusting the genome of the single cell. For example, when bacteria are exposed to antibiotic it can lead to an increase in the replication of plasmids which carry the resistance to the antibiotic. The cybernator provides a singular feedback mechanism as the colony uses it to induce changes in the single cell, thus leading to consistent adaptive self-organization of the colony.

Knollig-buschige Verästelung der Kolonie in der stationären Phase
(Wandel der Organisationsform
im Innern)

Blättrig-dendritisches Wachstum der Kolonie in der
aktiven Phase
(Wandel der Organisationsform
im Randbereich)