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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Optimized PCR-based Detection of Mycoplasma
06:01

Optimized PCR-based Detection of Mycoplasma

Published on: June 20, 2011

[Mycoplasma infections as a possible factor in genetic changes in the cells of higher eukaryotes]

V M Chernov, O A Chernova

    Tsitologiia
    |January 1, 1996
    PubMed

    Insights

    Mycoplasmas can cause significant chromosome rearrangements in host cells. Mobile DNA elements within mycoplasmas and host genomes contribute to these mutation events.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Genetics
    • Molecular Biology

    Context:

    • Mycoplasmas, bacteria from the class Mollicutes, are known intracellular pathogens.
    • These organisms lack cell walls and possess small genomes, making them unique prokaryotes.

    Purpose:

    • To investigate the role of mycoplasmas in inducing chromosomal alterations in host cells.
    • To elucidate the contribution of repetitive DNA sequences and mobile genetic elements to these genomic changes.

    Summary:

    • Mycoplasmas (class Mollicutes, kingdom Procaryotae) induce large-scale chromosome rearrangements in infected cells.
    • Repetitive DNA sequences, including mobile elements like insertion sequences (IS) and transposons (Tn), are key factors in the mutation events observed in both mycoplasmas and their host cells.

    Impact:

    • This research highlights the genotoxic potential of mycoplasmal infections.
    • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate mycoplasma-induced genomic instability.

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