The relevance of hormesis at higher levels of biological organization: Hormesis in microorganisms

Documented biphasic dose-responses date some 150 years back; however, massive evaluations of the occurrence pollutant-induced hormesis, its quantitative characteristics, and underlying mechanisms have been performed only in recent years. One reasons why hormesis is not included ecological risk assessment may be poorly explored relevance to levels biological organization beyond individual. Here, we summarize highly reproducible induced by various individual combined chemicals microorganisms, hormetic response bioluminescence, hormesis-based drug resistance. We also key discuss microorganisms-regulated organismic interactions, communication, communities microorganisms. Our exposition indicates need for enhanced studies directed reveal implications that considered assessment.