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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...
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...
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...
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...
Global Regulatory Systems01:28

Global Regulatory Systems

Global regulatory systems in bacteria enable rapid and coordinated responses to environmental changes by integrating sensory inputs with gene expression, ensuring efficient adaptation to fluctuating conditions. Key global regulatory mechanisms include regulons, two-component systems, sigma factors, and secondary messengers.Regulons and Global RegulatorsA regulon is a collection of genes and operons controlled by a common global regulator. These regulators enable bacteria to prioritize resource...
Coordination of Gene Expression Processes in Bacteria01:29

Coordination of Gene Expression Processes in Bacteria

The DNA replication, transcription, and translation processes are intricately coupled in bacteria, allowing efficient gene expression and rapid protein synthesis. While this physical and functional coordination is advantageous, it introduces challenges that bacteria overcome through specific regulatory mechanisms.Coupling of Replication, Transcription, and TranslationThe coupling of replication, transcription, and translation is a hallmark of bacterial gene expression. As the replisome unwinds...

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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

Complex nature of enterococcal pheromone-responsive plasmids.

Ewa Wardal1, Ewa Sadowy, Waleria Hryniewicz

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Microbiology, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland. ejagiello@cls.edu.pl

Polish Journal of Microbiology
|August 26, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Pheromone-responsive plasmids in enterococci are key to bacterial conjugation and virulence. These plasmids carry antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors like aggregation substance and cytolysin.

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Conjugative Mating Assays for Sequence-specific Analysis of Transfer Proteins Involved in Bacterial Conjugation
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Conjugative Mating Assays for Sequence-specific Analysis of Transfer Proteins Involved in Bacterial Conjugation

Published on: January 4, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Pheromone-responsive plasmids are unique to enterococci.
  • They utilize sex pheromones for conjugation, influencing bacterial interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the complex roles of pheromone-responsive plasmids in enterococci.
  • To understand their involvement in conjugation, virulence, and antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of plasmid conjugation mechanisms.
  • Investigation of pheromone response regulation and function.
  • Identification of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes on plasmids.

Main Results:

  • Pheromone plasmids have complex conjugation systems and dual roles in conjugation and virulence.
  • Stabilization/partition systems, like pAD1's par locus, ensure stable plasmid maintenance.
  • These plasmids are vehicles for vancomycin resistance (vanA, vanB) and virulence factors (aggregation substance, cytolysin).

Conclusions:

  • Pheromone-responsive plasmids significantly impact enterococcal traits, including antibiotic resistance and virulence.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complexity and uniqueness of these plasmids.