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Megacinogenic plasmids of Bacillus megaterium
Journal of Bacteriology
|August 1, 1983
Abstract:
Megacins A-216 and A-19213 in Bacillus megaterium are plasmid encoded, as shown by analysis of cured, non-megacinogenic (Meg-) derivatives of strains 216 and ATCC 19213 and by polyethylene glycol-mediated protoplast transformation of Meg- bacteria with plasmid DNA. The results of both techniques implicated a 31-megadalton plasmid, pBM309, in megacin A-216 production and a 29-megadalton plasmid, pBM113, in megacin A-19213 production.
Insights
Bacillus megaterium produces megacins A-216 and A-19213 via plasmids. A 31-MDa plasmid (pBM309) encodes megacin A-216, and a 29-MDa plasmid (pBM113) encodes megacin A-19213.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Bacillus megaterium produces bacteriocins known as megacins.
- Megacins A-216 and A-19213 are distinct antimicrobial compounds produced by specific strains of B. megaterium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the genetic basis for the production of megacins A-216 and A-19213 in Bacillus megaterium.
- To identify the specific plasmids responsible for encoding these megacins.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cured, non-megacinogenic (Meg-) derivatives of B. megaterium strains.
- Polyethylene glycol-mediated protoplast transformation of Meg- B. megaterium with plasmid DNA.
Main Results:
- Plasmid DNA was implicated in megacin production in both strains.
- A 31-megadalton plasmid, designated pBM309, was identified as responsible for megacin A-216 production.
- A 29-megadalton plasmid, designated pBM113, was identified as responsible for megacin A-19213 production.
Conclusions:
- Megacin A-216 and megacin A-19213 production in Bacillus megaterium are plasmid-encoded traits.
- Specific plasmids, pBM309 and pBM113, carry the genetic determinants for megacin A-216 and A-19213, respectively.