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DNA secretion and gene-level selection in bacteria.

Jeremy A Draghi1, Paul E Turner1

  • 1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.

Microbiology (Reading, England)
|September 2, 2006
PubMed
Summary
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Bacteria can secrete DNA, enabling gene transfer through natural transformation. This DNA secretion, even without individual benefit, drives gene-level selection and novel bacterial evolution.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Natural genetic transformation is a key mechanism for bacterial gene transfer.
  • Extracellular DNA is essential for transformation, originating from cell lysis or secretion.
  • Evidence suggests living bacteria actively secrete DNA into their environment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence for DNA secretion by intact bacteria.
  • To examine bacterial DNA secretion from a population-genetics viewpoint.
  • To explore the evolutionary implications of DNA secretion and transformation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of DNA secretion in bacteria.
  • Development of a mathematical model for gene-level selection.
  • Analysis of evolutionary theory applied to DNA secretion and transformation.

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Main Results:

  • DNA secretion by intact bacteria is supported by existing evidence.
  • A mathematical model illustrates gene-level selection driven by DNA secretion and transformation.
  • Gene-level selection can explain DNA secretion mechanisms lacking individual or population benefits.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial DNA secretion is explicable by evolutionary theory.
  • DNA secretion and transformation create a novel form of gene-level natural selection.
  • This process reveals a new mechanism for bacterial evolution and adaptation.