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Plasmids

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...

Bacterial Transformation

Bacterial Transformation

Bacterial Transformation

Bacterial Transformation

In 1928, bacteriologist Frederick Griffith worked on a vaccine for pneumonia, which is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Griffith studied two pneumonia strains in mice: one pathogenic and one non-pathogenic. Only the pathogenic strain killed host mice.
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The Replisome

The Replisome

DNA replication is carried out by a large complex of proteins that act in a coordinated matter to achieve high-fidelity DNA replication. Together this complex is known as the DNA replication machinery or the replisome.
The synthesis of the leading and lagging strands is a highly coordinated process. To explain this, the “Trombone model” was proposed by Bruce Alberts in 1980. The DNA loop formation starts when a primer is synthesized on the parent lagging strand. The loop grows with...

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Conjugation

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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Updated: Apr 8, 2026

Quantification of Plasmid-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in an Experimental Evolution Approach

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Published on: December 14, 2019

Iteron Plasmids.

Igor Konieczny¹, Katarzyna Bury¹, Aleksandra Wawrzycka¹

¹Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.

Microbiology Spectrum

|June 25, 2015

Summary

Iteron-containing plasmids are key models for studying bacterial extrachromosomal DNA replication. This review details their structure, replication mechanisms, and host-factor interactions influencing plasmid maintenance.

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

Iteron-containing plasmids are crucial models for understanding extrachromosomal genetic elements in bacteria.
Their replication and maintenance involve complex interactions between plasmid-encoded proteins and host factors.

Purpose of the Study:

To synthesize current knowledge on the structure and replication of iteron-containing plasmids.
To elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing iteron plasmid DNA replication initiation.
To discuss copy number control and the role of host factors in plasmid stability.

Main Methods:

Literature review and synthesis of existing research on iteron-containing plasmids.
Analysis of structural and mechanistic data related to plasmid replication.
Discussion of host-plasmid interactions.

Main Results:

Detailed description of iteron-containing replicon and protein structures.
Explanation of DNA replication initiation mechanisms.
Insights into copy number regulation and host chaperone/protease influence on plasmid maintenance.

Conclusions:

Iteron-containing plasmids offer a robust system for studying bacterial DNA replication and extrachromosomal element metabolism.
Understanding these mechanisms is vital for fields ranging from basic microbiology to biotechnology.