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Related Concept Videos

Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes00:46

Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes

The genome of most prokaryotic organisms consists of double-stranded DNA organized into one circular chromosome in a region of cytoplasm called the nucleoid. The chromosome is tightly wound, or supercoiled, for efficient storage. Prokaryotes also contain other circular pieces of DNA called plasmids. These plasmids are smaller than the chromosome and often carry genes that confer adaptive functions, such as antibiotic resistance.
Genomic Diversity in Bacteria
Although bacterial genomes are much...
DNA Isolation01:34

DNA Isolation

DNA from cells is required for many biotechnology and research applications, such as molecular cloning. To remove and purify DNA from cells, researchers use various methods of DNA extraction. While the specifics of different protocols may vary, some general concepts underlie the process of DNA extraction.
DNA Helicases00:55

DNA Helicases

DNA unwinding helicase enzymes are a type of motor protein. Motor proteins can translocate along filaments or polymers using energy generated from ATP hydrolysis. Helicases are involved in all the important cellular processes where DNA unwinding is required, such as DNA replication, repair, recombination, and transcription. They are present in all living organisms, but vary in their structure, function, and mechanism of action. For example, in prokaryotes, DnaB helicase binds and translocates...
DNA Isolation01:24

DNA Isolation

DNA isolation protocols can be fast and straightforward or complex and time-consuming depending on the type and quality of DNA required for further processing. For example, plasmid DNA extraction is a bit more complicated than genomic DNA extraction because of the need for an appropriate lysis method to separate plasmid DNA from gDNA during isolation. However, for specific applications, such as long-range DNA sequencing that require a good yield of high- quality DNA samples, we need to follow...
Genetic Material01:20

Genetic Material

Within the human body, a complex and detailed system of trillions of cells works in unison to sustain life. Each cell houses a nucleus, which contains 46 chromosomes divided into 23 pairs. Chromosomes are highly coiled structures made of the genetic material DNA. These chromosomes are essential carriers of genetic information, with half inherited from the mother through her egg and the other half from the father's sperm, combining to create the unique genetic makeup of an individual.
Prokaryotic DNA Replication01:32

Prokaryotic DNA Replication

DNA replication has three main steps: initiation, elongation, and termination. Replication in prokaryotes begins when initiator proteins bind to the single origin of replication (ori) on the cell's circular chromosome. Replication then proceeds around the entire circle of the chromosome in each direction from the two replication forks, resulting in two DNA molecules.
Many Proteins Work Together to Replicate the Chromosome
Replication is coordinated and carried out by a host of specialized...

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Genetic Manipulation in Δku80 Strains for Functional Genomic Analysis of Toxoplasma gondii
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Pushing and pulling in prokaryotic DNA segregation.

Kenn Gerdes1, Martin Howard, Florian Szardenings

  • 1Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK. kenn.gerdes@ncl.ac.uk

Cell
|June 17, 2010
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Summary

Prokaryotic DNA segregation utilizes three cytoskeletal filaments: ParM, ParA, and TubZ. These systems ensure accurate distribution of genetic material, with ParA being the most common mechanism in bacteria and plasmids.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Prokaryotic DNA segregation is essential for cell division.
  • Cytoskeletal elements play a crucial role in partitioning genetic material.
  • Several types of partitioning (par) loci exist in prokaryotes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms of DNA segregation in prokaryotes.
  • To describe the roles of different cytoskeletal filaments in partitioning.
  • To highlight the prevalence and function of various par loci.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of different par loci.
  • Description of cytoskeletal filament dynamics (e.g., dynamic instability, treadmill dynamics).
  • Focus on the protein products of par loci: ParM, ParA, and TubZ.

Main Results:

  • Three main types of prokaryotic DNA segregation systems exist, utilizing actin (ParM), P loop ATPase (ParA), and tubulin (TubZ) homologs.
  • ParM filaments push plasmids apart, similar to mitosis.
  • ParA systems, the most common, distribute plasmids equidistantly.
  • TubZ filaments exhibit rapid treadmill dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • Prokaryotes employ diverse, evolutionarily distinct cytoskeletal systems for DNA segregation.
  • Understanding these systems is key to comprehending bacterial cell division and genome stability.
  • ParA-based systems are widespread, indicating their significant role in prokaryotic biology.