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Horizontal Gene Transfer pp 73–102Cite as

Persistence Mechanisms of Conjugative Plasmids

  • Protocol

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 532))

Abstract

Are plasmids selfish parasitic DNA molecules or an integrated part of the bacterial genome? This chapter reviews the current understanding of the persistence mechanisms of conjugative plasmids harbored by bacterial cells and populations. The diversity and intricacy of mechanisms affecting the successful propagation and long-term continued existence of these extra-chromosomal elements is extensive. Apart from the accessory genetic elements that may provide plasmid-harboring cells a selective advantage, special focus is placed on the mechanisms conjugative plasmids employ to ensure their stable maintenance in the host cell. These importantly include the ability to self-mobilize in a process termed conjugative transfer, which may occur across species barriers. Other plasmid stabilizing mechanisms include the multimer resolution system, active partitioning, and post-segregational-killing of plasmid-free cells. Finally, various molecular adaptations of plasmids to better match the genetic background of their bacterial host cell will be described.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Martin Iain Bahl & Lars Hestbjerg Hansen

  2. Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Søren J. Sørensen

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  1. Martin Iain Bahl
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  2. Lars Hestbjerg Hansen
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  3. Søren J. Sørensen
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Connecticut, 968 Warrenville Road, Mansfield Center, CT 06250, USA

    Maria Boekels Gogarten

  2. Dept. Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT 06269-3125, USA

    Johann Peter Gogarten

  3. Biology Department, St. Lawrence University, 23 Romoda Drive, Canton, NY 13617, USA

    Lorraine C. Olendzenski

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Bahl, M.I., Hansen, L.H., Sørensen, S.J. (2009). Persistence Mechanisms of Conjugative Plasmids. In: Gogarten, M.B., Gogarten, J.P., Olendzenski, L.C. (eds) Horizontal Gene Transfer. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 532. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-853-9_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-853-9_5

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