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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...
Binary Fission01:20

Binary Fission

Fission is the division of a single entity into two or more parts, which regenerate into separate entities that resemble the original. Organisms in the Archaea and Bacteria domains reproduce using binary fission, in which a parent cell splits into two parts that can each grow to the size of the original parent cell. This asexual method of reproduction produces cells that are all genetically identical.
Binary Fission01:26

Binary Fission

Binary fission is the primary mode of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes, such as bacteria. It results in the production of two genetically identical daughter cells. This highly efficient process ensures the rapid propagation of bacterial populations under favorable conditions and involves coordinated cellular and molecular events.DNA Replication and SeparationThe process begins with the replication of the bacterial chromosome. The circular DNA molecule unwinds at a specific origin of...
Non-nuclear Inheritance01:29

Non-nuclear Inheritance

Most DNA resides in the nucleus of a cell. However, some organelles in the cell cytoplasm⁠—such as chloroplasts and mitochondria⁠—also have their own DNA. These organelles replicate their DNA independently of the nuclear DNA of the cell in which they reside. Non-nuclear inheritance describes the inheritance of genes from structures other than the nucleus.
Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance01:39

Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance

In 1866, Gregor Mendel published the results of his pea plant breeding experiments, providing evidence for predictable patterns in the inheritance of physical characteristics. The significance of his findings was not immediately recognized. In fact, the existence of genes was unknown at the time. Mendel referred to hereditary units as “factors.”
Separation of Sister Chromatids02:17

Separation of Sister Chromatids

At the transition from prophase to metaphase, there is a reduction in cohesion along the chromosomal arms, resulting in the resolution of sister chromatids. However, residual cohesin connections remain to hold the sister chromatids together until the transition from metaphase to anaphase. The residual connection prevents any premature separation of sister chromatids, blocking the risks of aneuploidy within the daughter cells.
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...

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Plasmid Stability Analysis with Open-Source Droplet Microfluidics
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Plasmid Stability Analysis with Open-Source Droplet Microfluidics

Published on: December 27, 2024

Plasmid segregation without partition.

Catherine Guynet1, Fernando de la Cruz

  • 1IBBTEC; Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnologia de Cantabria (CSIC-UC-SODERCAN); Facultad de Medicina; Universidad de Cantabria; Santander, Spain.

Mobile Genetic Elements
|February 8, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Low-copy plasmids use diverse strategies for cell division. Some rely on partitioning, while others, like plasmid R388, utilize a novel DNA-binding protein and host chromosome segregation.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Low-copy number plasmids require efficient segregation mechanisms to ensure daughter cells receive copies during cell division.
  • Well-studied plasmids often employ partition systems involving DNA-binding and motor proteins acting on a centromeric site.
  • Alternative segregation mechanisms are necessary for plasmids lacking typical partition systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the segregation mechanism of plasmids that do not encode typical partition systems.
  • To understand the role of plasmid-encoded proteins and host machinery in plasmid segregation.
  • To explore the integration of plasmid segregation with conjugative transfer.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of plasmid R388 segregation.
  • Identification and characterization of plasmid-encoded proteins involved in segregation.
  • Investigating the dependence on host chromosome segregation machinery.

Main Results:

  • Plasmid R388 segregation does not require a plasmid-encoded motor protein.
  • A single plasmid-encoded DNA-binding protein is essential for R388 segregation.
  • This segregation system is crucial when the plasmid encodes conjugation machinery.

Conclusions:

  • Plasmids can utilize alternative segregation mechanisms, including host chromosome-based systems like the 'pilot-fish' model.
  • The identified segregation system in plasmid R388 offers new insights into plasmid biology.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is vital for plasmid stability and transfer, especially in the context of conjugation.