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High-frequency variation in Mycoplasma pulmonis colony size
K Dybvig1, J W Simecka, H L Watson
1Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294.
Journal of Bacteriology
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Genetic changes cause significant variation in Mycoplasma pulmonis colony size. These changes affect growth rates and surface antigen properties, impacting the study of this murine pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis is a significant murine pathogen.
- Colony size heterogeneity can indicate underlying genetic instability in bacterial populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes of colony size variation in Mycoplasma pulmonis.
- To understand the genetic basis and phenotypic consequences of this heterogeneity.
Main Methods:
- Subcloning experiments were performed on Mycoplasma pulmonis colonies.
- Variant colonies were propagated in liquid broth for growth rate analysis.
- Electrophoretic analysis of the V-1 surface antigen was conducted.
Main Results:
- Colony size variation in Mycoplasma pulmonis arises from high-frequency genetic changes.
- Approximately 3% of subcloned colonies exhibited variation, with up to fourfold changes in diameter.
- Growth rates in liquid culture correlated with colony size.
- Colony size variation was associated with altered electrophoretic properties of the V-1 surface antigen.
Conclusions:
- Genetic instability is a key driver of phenotypic heterogeneity in Mycoplasma pulmonis.
- Observed variations in colony size and growth rate are linked to changes in surface antigen characteristics.