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Transfer of RP4 and R68.45 factors to Rhizobium

E Kowalczuk, Z Lorkiewicz

    Acta Microbiologica Polonica
    |January 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Researchers successfully transferred R factors, specifically plasmids RP4 and R68.45, into Rhizobium bacteria. These plasmids were stably maintained and could mobilize chromosomal genes for transfer, advancing bacterial genetics research.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Bacterial Genetics
    • Molecular Biology

    Background:

    • Rhizobium species are crucial soil bacteria involved in nitrogen fixation.
    • R plasmids are known for their ability to confer antibiotic resistance and transfer genetic material.
    • Understanding plasmid transfer in Rhizobium is key to genetic manipulation and strain improvement.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the stable introduction and maintenance of broad-host-range R plasmids (RP4 and R68.45) into Rhizobium trifolii and Rhizobium meliloti.
    • To assess the ability of these introduced R plasmids to mobilize chromosomal genes within Rhizobium hosts.
    • To evaluate the potential for inter- and intraspecies gene transfer mediated by these plasmids in Rhizobium.

    Main Methods:

    • Bacterial conjugation was employed to introduce R plasmids RP4 and R68.45 into Rhizobium trifolii and Rhizobium meliloti.
    • Plasmid stability was assessed through serial transfers of the transconjugant strains.
    • The ability of transconjugants to mobilize chromosomal genes (his and met) was tested in intra- and interspecies matings.

    Main Results:

    • R plasmids RP4 and R68.45 were successfully introduced into Rhizobium trifolii and Rhizobium meliloti at frequencies of 10(-5) to 10(-6).
    • The introduced plasmids demonstrated stable maintenance in the Rhizobium hosts and were successfully retransferred to other Rhizobium recipients.
    • Transconjugant strains exhibited the ability to mobilize chromosomal genes, facilitating the transfer of histidine (his) and methionine (met) genes during mating experiments.

    Conclusions:

    • Broad-host-range R plasmids RP4 and R68.45 can be stably maintained in Rhizobium trifolii and Rhizobium meliloti.
    • These R plasmids can act as mobilizing agents for chromosomal genes in Rhizobium, enabling both intraspecies and interspecies transfer.
    • This study demonstrates the potential of using R plasmids for genetic manipulation and transfer in agriculturally important Rhizobium species.

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