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Related Concept Videos

Plasmids01:28

Plasmids

Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules found in bacteria, archaea, and some eukaryotic microbes like yeast. These small, circular DNA structures typically contain fewer than 30 genes, although some may exist linearly. Plasmids vary in their number within a cell, known as copy number. Single-copy plasmids are present in one copy per cell and multi-copy plasmids are present in multiple copies, reaching over 100 copies per cell.Plasmids usually replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA...
Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle01:16

Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle

The lysogenic cycle is a crucial viral replication strategy that allows bacteriophages to persist within host cells without immediately destroying them. This process is primarily observed in temperate phages, such as bacteriophage lambda (λ), which infects Escherichia coli. The cycle allows the viral genome to persist across bacterial generations while keeping host cells viable.Integration of the Viral GenomeUpon infection, bacteriophage lambda attaches to the bacterial surface and injects its...
Mechanism of Conjugation01:19

Mechanism of Conjugation

Bacterial conjugation is a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer that enables the exchange of genetic material between bacterial cells through direct contact. This process is facilitated by a donor cell carrying a conjugative plasmid, which encodes genes necessary for pilus formation, DNA replication, and transfer. The conjugative plasmid plays a central role in initiating and executing the transfer of genetic material.The tra region of the conjugative plasmid encodes proteins responsible for...
Colonisation of Pathogens01:25

Colonisation of Pathogens

Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...
DNA Bacteriophages01:26

DNA Bacteriophages

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for replication. DNA bacteriophages employ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. These phages exhibit diverse replication strategies and host interactions, influencing their ecological roles and applications in biotechnology and medicine.ssDNA BacteriophagesssDNA phages, with their small genomes, utilize unique strategies to...
Conjugation01:19

Conjugation

Conjugation is a form of horizontal gene transfer that primarily occurs in bacteria and some archaea, promoting genetic diversity and adaptation. Bacteria can acquire resistance genes through conjugative plasmids, allowing them to survive antibiotic treatments that would otherwise be lethal. This process involves direct contact between cells through specialized structures such as the sex pilus and is mediated by conjugative plasmids, including the F (fertility) factor.Conjugation requires...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Plasmid Stability Analysis with Open-Source Droplet Microfluidics
07:43

Plasmid Stability Analysis with Open-Source Droplet Microfluidics

Published on: December 27, 2024

Modelling the spatial dynamics of plasmid transfer and persistence.

Stephen M Krone1, Ruinan Lu1, Randal Fox2,3

  • 1Department of Mathematics, Initiative for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844-1103, USA.

Microbiology (Reading, England)
|July 31, 2007
PubMed
Summary

This study introduces a new spatial model for bacterial plasmid dynamics, improving predictions of plasmid spread and persistence in structured populations. The model accurately reflects experimental data, outperforming traditional mass-action models.

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Plasmid Stability Analysis with Open-Source Droplet Microfluidics
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Quantification of Plasmid-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in an Experimental Evolution Approach
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High-Resolution Comparison of Bacterial Conjugation Frequencies
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High-Resolution Comparison of Bacterial Conjugation Frequencies

Published on: January 10, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Computational Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Bacterial plasmids are mobile genetic elements crucial for bacterial adaptation and evolution.
  • Existing models often fail to capture plasmid dynamics in spatially structured environments like biofilms.
  • Spatial structure is key to understanding plasmid persistence and transfer in natural bacterial communities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate an individual-based lattice model for plasmid-bacteria interactions in spatially structured populations.
  • To bridge the gap between theoretical models and empirical observations of plasmid dynamics.
  • To provide a predictive framework for plasmid spread and persistence.

Main Methods:

  • An individual-based lattice model (interacting particle system) was developed.
  • Experiments were conducted using the IncP-1beta plasmid pB10::rfp in Escherichia coli K12 on agar surfaces.
  • Plasmid loss and horizontal transfer were monitored under varying conditions.

Main Results:

  • The lattice model accurately predicted visual patterns of plasmid loss and spread.
  • Quantitative predictions regarding transconjugant densities aligned with experimental and published data.
  • The model captured spatial effects not predicted by mass-action models.

Conclusions:

  • Spatial structure significantly influences bacterial plasmid dynamics.
  • The developed lattice model offers a more accurate and flexible approach to studying plasmid-bacteria interactions.
  • This model enhances our understanding of plasmid persistence in real-world bacterial communities.