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Membrane attachment of R-factor deoxyribonucleic acid in compatible and incompatible cell pairs following conjugation

V Hershfield, D J LeBlanc, S Falkow

    Journal of Bacteriology
    |September 1, 1973
    PubMed

    Insights

    Superinfection of Escherichia coli with R-factors leads to the accumulation of superinfecting deoxyribonucleic acid intermediates. This DNA remains associated with a rapidly sedimenting cellular component, offering insights into bacterial genetics.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Bacterial Genetics

    Background:

    • Escherichia coli (E. coli) are common bacteria.
    • R-factors are plasmids conferring antibiotic resistance.
    • Superinfection involves introducing a second R-factor into a cell already carrying one.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the fate of superinfecting R-factors in Escherichia coli.
    • To characterize the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) forms and cellular associations during superinfection.

    Main Methods:

    • Superinfection of an E. coli R(+) strain with a related R-factor.
    • Analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication intermediates.
    • Cellular fractionation and sedimentation analysis.

    Main Results:

    • Superinfection resulted in the accumulation of replicative intermediates of the superinfecting DNA.
    • This accumulating DNA was found to be associated with a rapidly sedimenting cellular component.
    • Suggests a specific mechanism for handling incoming genetic material during R-factor superinfection.

    Conclusions:

    • The study demonstrates a distinct association of superinfecting R-factor DNA intermediates with cellular structures.
    • This finding provides insights into the regulation of plasmid DNA replication and maintenance in bacteria.
    • Highlights potential mechanisms for genetic material processing during bacterial conjugation or transformation.

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