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Related Concept Videos

Plasmids01:28

Plasmids

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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...
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Plasma Membrane in Bacteria and Archaea01:27

Plasma Membrane in Bacteria and Archaea

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The plasma membrane is an essential cellular structure responsible for maintaining cellular integrity and regulating the selective transport of molecules. While bacteria and archaea share the fundamental function of plasma membranes, their structural and molecular differences reflect adaptations to distinct ecological and physiological challenges.Bacterial Plasma MembranesBacterial plasma membranes are predominantly composed of phospholipids with fatty acid chains ester-linked to a glycerol...
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Bacterial Phylum Tenericutes01:24

Bacterial Phylum Tenericutes

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The phylum Tenericutes, which includes the single class Mollicutes, comprises bacteria that lack cell walls. The term "Mollicutes" derives from the Latin word mollis, meaning "soft." These organisms are among the smallest known and are commonly referred to as mycoplasmas due to the prominence of the genus Mycoplasma, which includes well-known human pathogens. Despite their inability to stain gram-positively (a result of their lack of cell walls), mycoplasmas are phylogenetically related to the...
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DNA Bacteriophages01:26

DNA Bacteriophages

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Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for replication. DNA bacteriophages employ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. These phages exhibit diverse replication strategies and host interactions, influencing their ecological roles and applications in biotechnology and medicine.ssDNA BacteriophagesssDNA phages, with their small genomes, utilize unique strategies to...
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Bacterial Phylum Planctomycetes01:26

Bacterial Phylum Planctomycetes

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Planctomycetes are a group of morphologically distinct bacteria predominantly classified into two orders: Planctomycetales and Brocadiales. These gram-negative bacteria exhibit unique features, including division by budding and the presence of stalks or appendages. Their cells are often found in rosette arrangements, and they are notable for possessing an S-layer in their cell envelope, which is relatively uncommon among bacteria. Additionally, Planctomycetes frequently exhibit intracellular...
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Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes00:46

Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes

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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.
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Methionine Functionalized Biocompatible Block Copolymers for Targeted Plasmid DNA Delivery
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What makes a megaplasmid?

James P J Hall1, João Botelho2,3, Adrian Cazares4,5

  • 1Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
|November 29, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Megaplasmids, large bacterial plasmids, are widespread and diverse, encoding crucial microbial traits. Recent advances reveal their significant role in bacterial ecology and evolution, challenging previous research focus on smaller plasmids.

Keywords:
genome evolutionhorizontal gene transfermegaplasmidmobile genetic elementpangenomeplasmid

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Plasmids vary greatly in size, from kilobases to megabases.
  • Historically, research prioritized smaller, easily manipulated plasmids.
  • Large plasmids, termed megaplasmids, are increasingly recognized as significant mobile genetic elements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of megaplasmid distribution, diversity, biology, and gene content.
  • To explore the ecological and evolutionary implications of megaplasmid size.
  • To discuss whether megaplasmids possess distinct characteristics beyond their large size.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and research on naturally occurring plasmids.
  • Analysis of data from improved genome assemblies, particularly those using long-read sequencing.
  • Synthesis of information on plasmid size, gene content, and host interactions.

Main Results:

  • Megaplasmids are widespread and exhibit significant diversity.
  • They often encode key traits essential for host microorganism biology.
  • Long-read sequencing facilitates the discovery and study of these large elements.

Conclusions:

  • Megaplasmids are crucial, yet often overlooked, components of microbial genomes.
  • Their large size may confer distinct biological and evolutionary advantages.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand their role in bacterial ecology and evolution.